The news arrived without fanfare — a quiet announcement for a man whose voice once thundered through the world’s most prestigious theatres.
For many fans, the shock wasn’t only in the loss itself, but in how little had been known about the battle Ben Lewis was fighting behind the scenes. At just 46, his death is a sobering reminder that even the strongest performers can be carrying unseen burdens long after the curtain falls.
The global theatre community is now grieving the loss of Ben Lewis, the acclaimed Australian actor and West End leading man, who has passed away following a courageous struggle with bowel cancer.
Lewis was best known for commanding the stage as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel, Love Never Dies. His towering presence, vocal power, and emotional depth earned him a place among the most respected performers in contemporary musical theatre. His death has sent ripples of grief through Australia, London’s West End, and far beyond.
The passing was confirmed on Monday, October 6, through a heartfelt Instagram post by close friend Todd Woodbridge. The Australian television personality remembered Lewis not just as a star, but as a rare and generous human being.
“Ben was extraordinary on stage,” Woodbridge wrote, “but offstage, he was even more remarkable — endlessly kind, hilarious, generous with his time, and deeply supportive of everyone around him.”
He also shared personal memories of their friendship: holidays in Scotland, time spent backstage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and treasured moments together at Wimbledon. His message ended with love and condolences for Lewis’s family.
According to information shared through a GoFundMe campaign created to support his loved ones, Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024.
The diagnosis quickly turned devastating when doctors confirmed the cancer was terminal. Still, Lewis chose to fight. He underwent extensive surgery to remove the primary tumor and began intensive chemotherapy, determined to extend his time with those he loved.
Despite those efforts, the disease progressed rapidly. By April, scans showed widespread metastasis to his liver, lungs, and pelvis, leaving no remaining treatment options.
Lewis’s life in music seemed almost destined. Born in London to opera singers, he grew up immersed in classical training. He later honed his craft at the Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
His early career flourished in Australia, with standout performances in productions such as Urinetown, A Little Night Music, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
In 2011, he originated the role of the Phantom in the Australian premiere of Love Never Dies, earning critical acclaim. He later reprised the iconic role on London’s West End in 2017 and 2018. His performance earned him the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, and the production was ultimately filmed by Universal, preserving his work for future audiences.
Away from the spotlight, Lewis faced profound personal challenges. In 2021, his wife, actress Melle Stewart, suffered a severe stroke at just 40 years old — reportedly linked to the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. She spent nearly nine months in hospital, and Lewis became her primary caregiver, dedicating himself completely to her recovery.
Even as his own health declined, he remained steadfast by her side, balancing his private battle with unwavering devotion to her rehabilitation.
Ben Lewis is survived by his wife and extended family. He leaves behind not only unforgettable performances, but a legacy of kindness, resilience, and selflessness that those who knew him say was as powerful as his voice.
Final
Ben Lewis lived with grace, loved with intensity, and gave generously — to his art, his audience, and his family. Though his life ended far too soon, the impact he made will endure. Long after the lights have faded and the stage has gone quiet, his voice — and his spirit — will continue to echo.