The theater world is mourning the loss of Ben Lewis<\/strong>, the acclaimed West End star known for The Phantom of the Opera<\/em> and Love Never Dies<\/em>. The Australian actor passed away at 46 after battling incurable bowel cancer.<\/p>\n The news was shared on October 6 by friend and TV host Todd Woodbridge, who called Lewis \u201cone of the greats\u201d\u2014a talented performer and a generous, caring human being.<\/p>\n Lewis was diagnosed in February 2024. Despite surgery and intensive chemotherapy, the cancer spread to his liver, lungs, and pelvis, proving untreatable.<\/p>\n Born in London to a family of opera singers, Lewis trained at London\u2019s Royal College of Music and WAAPA. He earned acclaim in Urinetown<\/em>, A Little Night Music<\/em>, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert<\/em> before starring in Love Never Dies<\/em> in 2011 and reprising the Phantom in London in 2017\u20132018.<\/p>\n Tragically, Ben was also the primary caregiver for his wife, actress Melle Stewart, who suffered a debilitating stroke in 2021 after a vaccine-related complication. He remained by her side throughout her long recovery.<\/p>\n A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The theater world is mourning the loss of Ben Lewis, the acclaimed West End star known for The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies. The Australian actor passed away at 46 after battling incurable bowel cancer. The news was shared on October 6 by friend and TV host Todd Woodbridge, who called Lewis…<\/p>\n