It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of this beloved actor.
The world of theatre is in mourning.
Ben Lewis, the West End star best known for his roles in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, has died.
The Australian actor died at the age of 46, after a battle with bowel cancer.
‘One of the greats’
The sad news was shared on Instagram on Monday, October 6 by his friend and Australian TV presenter Todd Woodbridge, who described Lewis as “one of the greats”.
“Ben was a star on stage as the Ghost… in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End,” Woodbridge wrote. “And most importantly, he was a great person: funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor to everyone he worked with.”
GoFundMe
Woodbridge recalled the moments they spent together, saying, “I have so many fond memories of holidays together in Scotland, visits to the dressing rooms at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, the times we spent at Wimbledon.” And he concluded: “We send our love to the whole family tonight.”
Diagnosed in 2024
Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024, which was declared incurable, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his family.
After undergoing major surgery to remove the primary tumor, he began intensive chemotherapy treatment. Despite her determination and resilience, the cancer was aggressive and resistant to treatment.
In April, scans showed that the tumors had spread to his liver, lungs and pelvis; too numerous to be removed by surgery or treated with radiation.
