By Grace Cyril,News18

Copyright news18

Australian actor and musical theatre star Ben Lewis, known for his acclaimed performances in The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, has died at the age of 46 following a battle with bowel cancer. The news was shared by his friend Todd Woodbridge 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!”
He added a personal note about Lewis’s character and mentorship: “More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work [sic] 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.”
Lewis, who appeared in the 2012 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, was diagnosed in February 2024 with bowel cancer that had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser established to support him. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, the disease eventually spread to his lungs and pelvis, and doctors declared the cancer incurable.
Throughout his illness, Lewis was devoted to caring for his wife, Australian actress Melle Stewart, who had suffered a stroke in 2021. According to the fundraiser, he “dedicated himself completely to her rehabilitation, despite his own declining health.”
In a July 2025 update on the GoFundMe page, Lewis wrote about the challenges he and his wife faced, “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.”
He added a message of gratitude to family and friends, “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!”
Born on September 28, 1979, Lewis was the son of opera singers Michael Lewis and Patricia Price. He grew up alternating between London and Sydney, eventually following in his family’s footsteps into musical theatre. His brother, Alexander Lewis, is also an opera singer and actor.
Lewis’s career was marked by standout performances in both Australia and the UK. He played the Phantom in the original Australian production of Love Never Dies and reprised the role in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera from 2017 to 2018. Other notable roles included Chad and Frank Farmer in UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard, as well as Larry in the 2018 West End revival of Company.
Lewis was married to Australian actress Melle Stewart.
His bowel cancer, diagnosed in February 2024, progressed rapidly despite treatment. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by his brother Alexander aimed to support Lewis and Stewart during his illness.