Ben Lewis dead: Phantom of the Opera star dies aged 46 after cancer battle

Ben Lewis, renowned for his starring role in The Phantom of the Opera and The Bodyguard, has died at just 46 following a brave fight against cancer.

The Australian star rose to prominence in the original Down Under production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies, taking on the iconic Phantom role before bringing the character to life again in the West End staging of the show.

Though born in England, Ben also featured in UK touring productions of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard, whilst taking on the part of Larry in the 2018 revival of Company.

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His sister-in-law Christina O'Neill broke the devastating news to supporters, penning: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Ben who left us this morning, October 6. His wife, Melle, was by his side. He was so deeply and incredibly loved."

Ben received a bowel cancer diagnosis in February 2024, and although he showed no warning signs, the disease had already advanced to his liver and lymph nodes.

Even after undergoing extensive surgery and chemotherapy treatment, the cancer persisted in spreading to his lungs and pelvis, ultimately becoming terminal.

Andrew Lloyd Webber shared a touching message on social media, stating: "My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family. Ben Lewis will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world."

He added: "I first met Ben when he premiered the marvellous Australian production of Love Never Dies in which he played the Phantom. After his huge personal success in the role, he came to London to play Phantom in the original show. His triumph in the role played a huge part in The Phantom of the Opera's continuing London run.

"I feel a personal connection with Ben's horrible cause of death. My own son Nick died of stomach and bowel cancer. Had he lived he would have been the same age as Ben when he so tragically died. These dreadful stomach and bowel cancers are increasingly affecting young men who are ever more often being taken from us so cruelly, so early."

Meanwhile, Ben's friend and TV presenter, Todd Woodbridge said: "Today we lost Ben Lewis one my families dearest friends way to young and the Australian Musical Theatre family also lost one of the greats! Ben was a star on stage as Phantom in Love Never Dies and In Phantom of the Opera on the West End...

"More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work 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… and our last pic together in late June at our home…sending our love to all the family tonight..."

The NHS states that symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in your poo – softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation, needing to poo more or less, blood in stool, bleeding from the rectum, often feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet, tummy pain, a lump in the tummy, bloating, losing weight without trying and feeling tired or short of breath.

Meanwhile, the Coast Box Office said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Australian actor and singer Ben Lewis (1979 2025)." "May you rest in peace, Mr Ben Lewis. The Phantom of the Opera is my all-time favourite play. Best of the best," said one fan.

A second heartbroken fan went on to write: "RIP Ben Lewis. One of the best Phantoms I saw. May your soul take flight." Meanwhile, a third typed: "So very sad. We knew it was going to happen but not quite this fast. Farewell Ben Lewis one of our many Angels of Music gone too soon."

It wasn't the only heartbreak to strike his family after his wife Melle suffered a stroke - with Ben becoming her main carer. She required part of her brain to be surgically removed following blood clots from vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) - though the pair remained firmly supportive of vaccines afterwards.

A fundraising campaign launched during his cancer fight collected more than $180,000 to cover costs and secure her future, explaining: "Ben's greatest concern is not for himself - it's for Melle, and that he will be leaving her before their journey is complete."

For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.

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