Australian musical star Ben Lewis, 46, dies after bowel cancer battle.

Australian musical theatre star Ben Lewis died in Sydney on Monday at age 46 following a two-year battle with bowel cancer.

The London-born performer had lived in Australia for years and was renowned for his breathtaking stage performances in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies.

His death was confirmed in a statement on social media by his close friend, Tipping Point host Todd Woodbridge.

‘Today we lost Ben Lewis, one my families dearest friends. Way too young, the Australian Musical Theatre family also lost one of the greats,’ Todd began.

‘Ben was a star on stage as Phantom on West End.. more importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he worked with.’ 

Todd added he had so many cherished memories with him and would miss his dear friend forever. 

Beloved Australian musical theatre star Ben Lewis died in Sydney on Monday aged 46, following a two-year battle with bowel cancer

‘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… Sending our love to all the family tonight,’ he wrote. 

Ben studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in the late ’90s, alongside his brother Alexander, who is a renowned opera performer.

He was a prolific performer and wowed audiences across the world with his emotive and incredible stage performances.

His credits include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at Lyric Theatre in Sydney, Spamalot at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne and a touring production of The Bodyguard. 

In recognition of his groundbreaking performances, Ben won a Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2012 Sydney Theatre Awards, for his role of the Phantom in Love Never Dies. 

He was also a TV and film actor, appearing in the Channel Nine drama McLeod’s Daughters in 2001, opposite Bridie Carter and Jessica Napier.

Ben was married to Home and Away actress Melle Stewart, who he met while studying at WAAPA.

His career was put on hold in February 2024 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The London-born performer had lived in Australia for years and was renowned for his breathtaking stage performances in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies

His death was confirmed in a statement on social media by his close friend, Tipping Point host Todd Woodbridge

Despite several rounds of chemotherapy paid for through a GoFundMe appeal, which raised $183,000 of its $200,000 target, he was not able to make a recovery. 

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Ben.

‘Ben will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world,’ wrote Channel Ten presenter Angela Bishop.

‘Devastating. Sending love and support to his family and friends,’ added Packed to the Rafters star Olivia Stambouliah. 

‘Such sad news,’ Neighbours actress Alinta Chidzey chipped in.

Ben is survived by his wife Melle and brother Alexander.