With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of this beloved actor. He just died from bowel cancer at the age of 46

The theater community is in mourning following the death of Ben Lewis, the acclaimed West End performer celebrated for his powerful roles in *The Phantom of the Opera* and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Love Never Dies*. The Australian actor passed away at just 46 after a battle with bowel cancer, leaving colleagues, fans, and loved ones devastated.

News of Lewis’s passing was shared on October 6 by his longtime friend, Australian broadcaster Todd Woodbridge, who paid tribute to him on Instagram as “one of the greats.” Woodbridge remembered Lewis not only as an extraordinary performer but also as a warm, generous presence backstage. He recalled cherished memories of holidays in Scotland, visits to London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, and time spent together at Wimbledon, offering his condolences to Lewis’s family.

Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024. According to a GoFundMe page created to support his family, doctors deemed the disease incurable. After major surgery to remove the primary tumor, he underwent intensive chemotherapy, but the cancer was aggressive and resistant to treatment. By April, scans showed it had spread to his liver, lungs, and pelvis, eliminating further surgical options.

Born in London to a family of classically trained opera singers, Lewis studied at the Royal College of Music and later at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. His stage career flourished 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 production of *Love Never Dies*, earning the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later brought his commanding interpretation of the Phantom to London’s West End in 2017 and 2018.

Lewis’s personal life was marked by profound devotion to his wife, Australian actress Melle Stewart. According to family accounts shared publicly, Stewart suffered a severe stroke in 2021 and required long-term rehabilitation. Throughout her recovery, Lewis was known as her unwavering primary caregiver.

Ben Lewis is survived by his wife and extended family. Though his life ended far too soon, his artistry, generosity, and unforgettable performances leave a legacy that will endure in theaters—and hearts—around the world.