Biography for
Ian Smith (I) More at IMDbPro »

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Trivia

The longest-serving member of the "Neighbours" (1985) cast, having played Harold Bishop since episode 415 in 1987.

Although Ian Smith is now the longest serving actor on the Australian TV show "Neighbours", he has not played the character of Harold Bishop continuously. Ian originally played the character from 1987-1991, then left the show for 5 years before returning to play the character again in 1996.

Found out, at the age of 54, that he was adopted.

Was in the audience watching a performance of Little Britain live when they toured Australia. During the show Vicki Pollard (played by Matt Lucas, who much like David Walliams had no idea Ian was in the audience) said she went to Ramsey Street and got fingered by Ian Smith's character, Harold Bishop.

Reg Watson offered Ian the chance to work on "Neighbours" (1985) on the day that Smith and his colleagues taped the final edition of "Prisoner" (1979) - Watson being the creator of both series. 30 years to the day of the Wentworth drama's first edition, Ian's final Ramsay Street appearance was transmitted by Network Ten.

Personal Quotes

Back in the days of "Bellbird" (1967) it was a great school for young actors. It was a school for experienced stage actors as well. These days if a kid looks OK they get the job. We find out if they can act later. Learning how to teach the kids is very important.

Playing against the character was always good for Harold [Bishop]. I've always said use what you've got. If you've got a face that wobbles around a bit, use it get a laugh. People are always trying to be what they're not, but if I'm fat and a bit funny to look at when I do things like that, OK let's get a laugh, let's make it work.

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