Smith told 10 News First about the death of his wife Gail, from cancer, in 2019.
“That, really, I think if that hadn’t happened, I’d be a lot worse off now – but my life finished then,” he said.
“I’ve seen so many deaths.
“I’ve seen some good ones and I’ve seen bad ones – and I’m hoping I’ll go the nice way.”
Smith first appeared in Neighbours in 1987, playing an old flame of Madge’s.
Due to appear in only a few episodes, his much-loved character ended up staying until 1991, when Harold was washed out to sea while on holiday.
He returned to the soap in 1996, until 2009 – and after a few subsequent guest appearances, came back as a regular earlier this year.