The recent death of Ben Lewis — an Australian actor who starred in the Australian production of Love Never Dies and London’s West End stage production of Phantom of the Opera, both helmed by Andrew Lloyd Webber — has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry.
Lewis’ demise was confirmed on social media by his friend, who also penned a touching tribute. News of the actor’s passing away spread online, with fans and colleagues sharing their tributes and condolences. His demise took place one year after he was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer.
Ben Lewis dies of bowel cancer in Sydney aged 46
Ben Lewis died of bowel cancer on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 46. His death was confirmed by his friend, Australian TV host Todd Woodbridge. He shared a series of photos on Instagram, one of which showed him posing with the late artist. The snaps were accompanied by a lengthy caption that served as a touching tribute.
Ben Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024. The disease was revealed to be incurable in a GoFundMe page created to support the actor. Social media was rife with tributes to the late actor and reactions to his demise from both fans and colleagues.
“Very sad to read that Ben Lewis has passed,” a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “A hugely talented and respected individual. Sending love to Ben’s family, friends and fan base.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Lloyd Webber, who directed Lewis in Love Never Dies and Phantom of the Opera, revealed on X that he had a “personal connection” to the latter’s demise. He shared that his son Nick also passed away from stomach and bowel cancer.
Ben Lewis is survived by his wife, Australian actress Melle Stewart. She reportedly suffered a stroke in 2021, which she attributed to a rare adverse reaction to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Lewis hailed from a family of opera singers. He pursued vocal studies at both London’s Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. During the early 2000s, he starred in several stage productions based in Sydney. These include Urinetown, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and A Little Night Music. He also appeared in the UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard, as well as 2018’s West End revival of Company.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.
