US EditionBen Lewis, Phantom of the Opera Actor, Dead at 46
Ben Lewis, acclaimed for leading roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, battled incurable bowel cancer that spread aggressively despite treatment, fundraising raised over $180,000.
- On October 6, 2025, Ben Lewis, Australian-British stage actor, died in Sydney at 46 after a lengthy battle with bowel cancer.
- In February 2024, Ben Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had spread to lymph nodes and liver despite no symptoms, and later scans showed tumours in the liver, lungs, and pelvis, deeming it incurable.
- Trained at London’s Royal College of Music and WAAPA, Ben Lewis originated the Phantom in Australia’s 2011 Love Never Dies and won the 2012 Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor.
- He is survived by his wife, actress Melle Stewart, whom he had served as primary caregiver after her 2021 stroke, and a GoFundMe fundraiser raised over $180,000.
- Tributes came from Andrew Lloyd Webber and peers, with Todd Woodbridge writing, `Ben was a star on stage as Phantom...in Phantom of the Opera on the West End` and praising his mentorship.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Ben Lewis passes away at 46 after cancer battle
Australian theatre star Ben Lewis, celebrated for his powerful portrayal of the Phantom in 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Love Never Dies', has passed away at 46 after a battle with bowel cancer. His friend Todd Woodbridge shared the heartbreaking news, remembering Lewis as a 'great human' and ...
Ben Lewis Dies: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Actor Passes Away at 46 of Cancer; Tennis Star Todd Woodbridge, Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber Pay Tribute | 🎥 LatestLY
Australian actor Ben Lewis died on October 6 at 46 in Sydney. The actor, known for West End's 'The Phantom of the Opera', was suffering from bowel cancer. Australian tennis star and Grand Slam winner Todd Woodbridge and music composer Andrew Lloyd Webber paid tribute to Ben Lewis. Know about the tragic story of Ben Lewis and his wife Melle Stewart. 🎥 Ben Lewis Dies: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Actor Passes Away at 46 of Cancer; Tennis Star Todd …
Ben Lewis dead: Phantom of the Opera star dies aged 46 after cancer battle - The Mirror
Tributes have poured in for the West End star, who was best known for playing the Phantom in the musical of the same name. He died just days after his wife suffered a stroke
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