Ben Lewis dead: Beloved actor dies aged 46 from cancer as tragedy hits family twice

Beloved actor Ben Lewis, best known for his roles in The Phantom of the Opera and The Bodyguard, has sadly died aged just 46 after a cancer battle. The Aussie actor shot to fame in the original Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies, playing the Phantom, before reprising the role in the West End version of the musical. Born in England, Ben also starred in the UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard, and played Larry in the 2018 revival of Company.

His sister-in-law Christina O'Neill has shared the news of his death with fans, writing: "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 was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024, and despite having no symptoms the cancer spread to his liver and lymph nodes. Despite major surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer continued to spread to his lungs and pelvis, becoming incurable.

Andrew Lloyd Webber posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: "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."

It wasn't the only tragedy to hit his family after his wife Melle suffered a stroke - with Ben becoming her primary carer. She had to have part of her brain removed after blood clotting from vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) - but the couple remained staunchly pro-vaccine afterwards.

A fundraiser set up during his cancer battle raised more than $180,000 to help pay expenses and provide for her future, stating: "Ben's greatest concern is not for himself - it's for Melle, and that he will be leaving her before their journey is complete."