Ben Lewis, acclaimed Australian stage actor, dies at 46

Australian actor and singer Ben Lewis, renowned for his performances as the Phantom in Love Never Dies and The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End, has died aged 46.

Born in London on 28 September 1979, Lewis spent his childhood between England and Sydney. He was the son of opera singers Michael Lewis and Patricia Price, who later became Head of Vocal Studies and Opera at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Lewis trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts before appearing in a variety of Australian productions, including Urinetown, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Spamalot, and A Little Night Music. He gained national recognition for his portrayal of the Phantom in the 2011 Australian production of Love Never Dies and later reprised the role in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera. His UK stage credits also included Candide, Love Me Tender, Company, and The Bodyguard.

Tributes from the theatre community have poured in, remembering Lewis for his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh wrote on social media:

It is a tremendous shock to hear the tragic news that the hugely talented Ben Lewis has passed away at the young age of 46. Ben was a towering presence and a great company leader when he played the title role of the Phantom in his native Australia and then again at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. Amongst his many other leading roles, Ben was especially impressive as the stoic, handsome long-suffering husband to Patti LuPone’s explosive vodka stinger laced Joanne in the recent Company revival at the Gielgud Theatre. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Melle, and his family and friends both here and in Australia. The theatre has lost a very special and much loved talent far too early, in what would certainly have been a long and brilliant career.

In early 2024, Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which had already spread by the time it was discovered. Despite undergoing surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, his condition became terminal in mid-2025.

Lewis’s passing comes at a particularly difficult time for the family, who have already been navigating significant challenges. His wife, Melle Stewart, suffered a life-changing stroke in 2021, and Lewis had been a devoted caregiver throughout her recovery, balancing his professional commitments with supporting her every step of the way.

Ben is survived by his wife Melle, his brother Alexander Lewis, and his extended family. His artistry, generosity, and presence on stage leave an enduring legacy in Australian and international theatre, and his presence will be sincerely missed.

Our thoughts are with his wife, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time.