Ian Smith (actor)
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Ian Smith (born June 19, 1938) is an Australian soap opera character actor and television scriptwriter, best known today for his long-running role as the caring, kindly coffee shop owner Harold Bishop in Network Ten's long running serial Neighbours.
Smith had previously acted in recurring roles in long-running Australian television serials Bellbird and Prisoner, and was script editor of Prisoner for most of its eight-year run. He became Associate Producer of Prisoner late in its run.
Smith became best known through his portrayal of Harold in Neighbours. He played the role from 1987-1991 when his character Harold went missing after falling into an ocean and was presumed dead. In 1996 he returned to the show when it was revealed Harold was found and had amnesia from his fall. He has remained in the show ever since.
Smith was 54 when his mother Connie Smith, realizing she had twenty-four hours to live, finally admitted to him that he had been adopted. After her death, Smith went in search of his natural mother Peg Kline, whom he finally found. According to Kline's story, Smith was conceived when she was thirteen, the product of rape by her uncle, and was put up for adoption. Kline eventually married and had two children from this marriage. She never told anyone besides her husband about her first son until she was contacted by Smith via a letter.
She contacted his wife Gail Smith, who mentioned that her son was a prominent Neighbours actor, to which Kline replied, "I've never seen Neighbours in my life". Smith and Kline were reunited and he has built a strong relationship with his mother and two half-brothers, although Smith says that he doesn't feel a mother–son relationship. He calls Kline "one of my best friends". Peg Kline died in May 2005 after a battle with cancer.
Smith first told the story to the public in an exclusive interview on the biographical documentary series Australian Story on March 14, 2005.
Smith also made a guest appearance on the television show Banzai.
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[edit] Trivia
Ian Smith was born one week after fellow long time Neighbours star, Tom Oliver.
Ian Smith appeared on Banzai in a sketch where he rang someone's doorbell and ran away. Viewers were urged to bet on the length of time that would elapse before the occupant would open the door.
[edit] Selected filmography
- Neighbours (1987-1991, 1996-).... Harold Bishop
- Body Melt (1993) .... Dr. Carrera
- Blue Heelers (1996) .... Clive Burton
- Prisoner (1979-1983).... Ted Douglas
- Chopper Squad (1978)
- Glenview High (1977) .... Rocky
- Bluey (1977) .... Sen. Det. Davidson
- Division 4 (1975) .... Mike Chapman
- Matlock Police (1973) .... Larry Fisher
- Homicide (1972) .... Johnny Reid
- Detective(1969) .... Dick Spencer
- Belbird (1967) .... Russell Ashwood
[edit] Source
"Australian Story" - March 14, 2005
