Ben Lewis, the Australian actor best known for his leading role in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera from 2017 to 2018, has passed away at the age of 46. His close friend Todd Woodbridge confirmed the news, sharing that Lewis had been battling bowel cancer. Woodbridge expressed his grief in an Instagram post on October 6, remembering Lewis as not only a remarkable talent but also a cherished friend.
In his tribute, Woodbridge described Lewis as a kind and generous person who brought joy to those around him. He recalled memories of family trips, visits to London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, and time spent together at Wimbledon. He also highlighted Lewis’s positive impact on the Australian musical theatre community, where he was admired both as a performer and as a mentor to many.
Lewis’s cancer journey began in early 2024, when he was diagnosed with the disease after it had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver. Despite undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy, the cancer later advanced to his lungs and pelvis, ultimately being declared incurable. In addition to his stage success, Lewis also appeared in the 2012 film adaptation of Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to Phantom.
Even while facing his own health challenges, Lewis devoted himself to supporting his wife, actress Melle Stewart, who suffered a stroke in 2021. In a heartfelt message shared in July through a GoFundMe update, Lewis expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received. He praised his wife’s strength and resilience, and thanked their families and friends around the world for being a source of comfort, guidance, and love during the most difficult of times.
