Ben Lewis, Beloved West End Star, Dies at 46
Ben Lewis, the acclaimed West End performer celebrated for his unforgettable portrayals in The Phantom of the Opera and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, has passed away at the age of 46 following a battle with bowel cancer. His death has left the theater community, fans, and colleagues worldwide heartbroken.
“One of the greats”
The news was shared on Instagram by Australian TV host Todd Woodbridge, who called Lewis “one of the greats.”
“Ben was a star on stage as the Phantom…in Phantom of the Opera on the West End,” Woodbridge wrote. “But more importantly, he was one of the great humans — funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor to all the people he worked with.” He recalled personal moments with Ben, from holidays in Scotland to visits to Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, describing his laughter and generosity that made everyone around him feel at ease.
A difficult diagnosis
In February 2024, Ben received the devastating news that his bowel cancer was incurable. Despite major surgery and an intensive chemotherapy regimen, the disease spread rapidly to his liver, lungs, and pelvis, leaving few options for treatment.
A life steeped in music and theater
Born into a family of classically trained opera singers in London, Ben’s life was immersed in music from the start. He studied vocal performance at the Royal College of Music in London and later at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Early in his career, he appeared in Sydney productions including Urinetown, A Little Night Music, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, building a reputation for versatility and stage presence.
In 2011, he starred in the original Australian production of Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. He later returned to the West End as the Phantom in 2017 and 2018, cementing his status as one of the definitive performers of the role. For Love Never Dies, he received the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Universal filmed the production, preserving his iconic performance for posterity.
A devoted husband and caregiver
Beyond his stage achievements, Ben’s devotion to his wife, Australian actress Melle Stewart, was extraordinary. In 2021, Melle suffered a severe stroke following the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, requiring nearly nine months of hospitalization and a challenging rehabilitation. Ben cared for her tirelessly, balancing his career with unwavering support, earning admiration from all who witnessed his quiet strength and patience.
A legacy that endures
Ben leaves behind his wife, Melle Stewart, as well as a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues touched by his generosity and warmth. Tributes from around the world highlighted not just his talent but his mentorship and humanity.
“He wasn’t just a performer — he was a friend, a teacher, a light in everyone’s life,” one colleague said. “Ben had a way of making you feel seen, valued, and inspired.”
Though his life was tragically cut short, Ben Lewis’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the performances he gave. His portrayals of the Phantom and other iconic roles will remain in recordings, memories, and the hearts of those who experienced his artistry.
Ben Lewis’s story is one of extraordinary talent, steadfast love, and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. His voice, presence, and heart will continue to resonate, inspiring generations of theater lovers and performers alike. Though gone too soon, the mark he left on the stage and in the lives of others will never fade.