‘Phantom of the Opera’ Star Ben Lewis Dies Aged 46 After Battle with Cancer
The world of musical theatre is mourning the loss of Ben Lewis, the acclaimed Australian actor best known for his commanding depiction of The Phantom in both The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love noway Dies.
The 46- time-old star passed down following a gallant fight against bowel cancer.
The heartbreaking news was verified by a close friend and tennis legend, Todd Woodbridge, who participated in the advertisement on Instagram.
“Today we lost Ben Lewis,” Woodbridge wrote on October 6. “One [of] my families [sic] dearest friends way to [sic] young and the Australian Musical Theatre family also lost one of the greats!”
Woodbridge went on to reflect warmly on Lewis’s kindness and generosity.
“More importantly, he was one of the great humans, funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he worked with… 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.”
⭐ R.I.P. BEN LEWIS (1979-2025) ⭐
The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies star Ben Lewis has sadly passed away, aged 46
Sending love to his family, friends and fans on this tragic loss… Gone far too soon X x x pic.twitter.com/L7tiTmUrw7
— Theatre Fan (@ShaunTossell) October 6, 2025
Born on 28 September 1979, Ben Lewis was fated for the stage. The son of famed pieces vocalizers Michael Lewis and Patricia Price, he was raised between London and Sydney, absorbing a world steeped in music and theatre.
His family, Alexander Lewis, would later follow the same cultural path.
Ben’s performances left a mark on cults across the UK and Australia. From his mesmerising debut as the Phantom in the original Australian production of Love noway Dies, to his famed West End run in The Phantom of the Opera( 2017 – 2018), Lewis earned standing cheers wherever he went.
His versatility shone in products such as Love Me Tender, The Bodyguard, and the West End reanimation of Company.
Yet, it was his haunting depiction beneath the Phantom’s mask that secured his place among theatre greats.
In February 2024, Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had formerly spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
Despite witnessing multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy, the complaint advanced to his lungs and pelvis. Croaker, latterly, verified that the cancer was incurable.
A GoFundMe runner, organised by his family, Alexander, revealed how Ben continued to show extraordinary strength and compassion, indeed, while gravely ill.
His devotion to his woman, Actress Melle Stewart, who suffered an enervating stroke in 2021, was unwavering.
The fundraiser noted that he “dedicated himself completely to her rehabilitation, despite his own declining health.”
Even amid his own suffering, Ben remained grateful for the outpouring of love and support surrounding him. In a July 2025 update on the GoFundMe page, he wrote:
“Melle and I have been completely and utterly overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from so many people.
The sheer strength and determination that my incredible wife has shown throughout this period has taught me the importance of putting one foot in front of the other, staying as present as you possibly can, and being grateful for all the amazing family and friends that we have in our lives.”
And in a touching message to his family and friends, he added: “To our families, in whatever part of the world you are, that you are our guiding lights, our peace, and our joy. Thank you for everything you do for us. We couldn’t do any of it without you all!”
Since news of his death broke, tributes have flooded in from colleagues and fans across the globe. Fellow performers praised his “magnetic stage presence” and “boundless generosity.”
Lewis’s depiction of the Phantom was frequently described as both nipping and heartbreakingly mortal, a reflection of the depth he brought to every part.
Ben Lewis’s story is one of passion, adaptability, and love, both for his craft and the people closest to him. His performances in the West End and beyond will ever echo in the hearts of those who witnessed his gift.
Though gone far too soon, his voice, his spirit, and his art endure, a heritage good of The Phantom himself.
