Ben Lewis, the Australian West End star famed for The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, has died at 46 after a battle with bowel cancer.

His friend, TV host Todd Woodbridge, shared the news on Instagram, calling him “one of the greats.” Woodbridge added, “Ben was a star on stage as Phantom… More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work[ed] with.”

Diagnosed in February 2024, Lewis underwent major surgery and chemotherapy. Despite his determination, the cancer spread to his liver, lungs, and pelvis by April, making further treatment impossible.

Born into a family of opera singers in London, Lewis trained at the Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. His career included Sydney productions like Urinetown and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He starred in the original Australian Love Never Dies in 2011 and reprised the Phantom in London in 2017–2018, winning the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor.

Lewis was also the primary caregiver for his wife, actress Melle Stewart, who suffered a severe stroke in 2021. Woodbridge concluded, “Sending our love to all the family tonight.” Ben Lewis is survived by his wife and family, leaving behind a legacy on stage and in the hearts of fans.