Ben Lewis, a well-known Australian musical theatre performer, passed away in Sydney on Monday at the age of 46. He had been fighting bowel cancer for two years.
Originally from London, the performer had made a home in Australia and became famous for his incredible performances in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, including *The Phantom of the Opera* and its follow-up, *Love Never Dies*.
I’m absolutely devastated. Todd Woodbridge, a really close friend of his and the host of Tipping Point, just confirmed it on social media… he’s gone. It still doesn’t feel real, but it’s true. I can’t believe it.
We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ben Lewis, a beloved friend to our family. He was far too young to go, and the Australian musical theatre community has lost a truly exceptional talent,” Todd shared.
Ben was a brilliant performer, captivating audiences as the Phantom in the West End. But even more than that, he was a truly kind and generous person – funny, supportive, and a fantastic mentor to everyone he collaborated with.
Todd added he had so many cherished memories with him and would miss his dear friend forever.
He shared cherished memories of holidays in Scotland, backstage visits to London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, and times at Wimbledon, sending his love to the whole family.
Ben and his brother, Alexander—a famous opera singer—both trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in the late 1990s.
He was a remarkably talented performer who captivated audiences worldwide with his powerful and moving stage shows.
As a long-time theatre enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of working on some truly fantastic productions! I’m especially proud of my involvement with shows like ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney, the hilarious ‘Spamalot’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, and even a national tour of ‘The Bodyguard’. It’s been an incredible journey bringing these stories to life on stage.
Oh my gosh, you guys, Ben *totally* deserved that Judith Johnson Award! I was absolutely floored by his performance as the Phantom in ‘Love Never Dies’ – it was at the Sydney Theatre Awards back in 2012, and honestly, it was the best leading actor in a musical performance I’ve *ever* seen. He just *became* the Phantom, it was magical! I knew he’d win, and I’m still obsessed with that role, and with him, obviously.
In addition to his other work, he acted in television and film, including a role on the Channel Nine drama *McLeod’s Daughters* in 2001, where he starred alongside Bridie Carter and Jessica Napier.
Ben was married to Home and Away actress Melle Stewart, who he met while studying at WAAPA.
His career was put on hold in February 2024 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Even though a GoFundMe campaign raised $183,000 of its $200,000 goal to cover the cost of several chemotherapy treatments, he sadly did not recover.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Ben.
Channel Ten’s Angela Bishop said that Ben’s friends in the theatre world, both near and far, will be very sad to see him go.
“Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” said Olivia Stambouliah, known for her role on Packed to the Rafters.
‘Such sad news,’ Neighbours actress Alinta Chidzey chipped in.
Ben is survived by his wife Melle and brother Alexander.
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2025-10-07 02:34