Pysu Phantom of the Opera star Ben Lewis dies at 46 (9z6)
Phantom of the Opera star Ben Lewis dies at 46
The theater world is mourning.
Ben Lewis, the West End star best known for his roles in The Phantom of the Opera
The Australian actor passed away at 46, after a battle with bowel cancer.
“One of the greats”
The sad news was shared on Instagram on Monday, October 6, by his friend and Australian TV host Todd Woodbridge, who described Lewis as “one of the greats.”
“Ben was a star on stage as Phantom…in Phantom of the Opera on the West End,” Woodbridge wrote. “More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work[ed] with.”
Woodbridge reminisced about the times they spent together, saying, “So many fond memories of holidays together in Scotland, visiting the dressing rooms of Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, to times spent at Wimbledon.” He concluded, “Sending our love to all the family tonight.”
Diagnosed in 2024
Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024, which was declared incurable, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family.
After undergoing major surgery to remove the primary tumor, he started an intensive course of chemotherapy. Despite his determination and resilience, the cancer was aggressive and resistant to the treatment.
In April, scans showed tumors had spread to his liver, lungs, and pelvis — too numerous to be removed through surgery or treated with radiation.
Born into a family of classically-trained opera singers in London, Ben studied vocal performance at London’s Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. His early career included stage appearances in Sydney in
In 2011, Lewis starred in the original Australian production of Love Never Dies, the sequel to
He won the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Sydney Theatre Awards for
Primary caregiver for his wife
What make Ben’s story even more heartbreaking is that he was also the primary caregiver for his beloved wife, Australian actress Melle Stewart. In 2021, at just 40 years old, Melle suffered a life-changing stroke caused by the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
This devastating event led to Melle spending nearly nine months in the hospital. From that day on, Ben stayed by Melle’s side every step of the way as she continued her long rehabilitation journey.
Lewis is survived by his wife and his extended family. Ben Lewis’s performances on the West End and in Australia left a lasting mark on audiences and colleagues alike.
Though gone too soon, his legacy on stage and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten.
