SYDNEY – The world of musical theatre is mourning the loss of Australian actor Ben Lewis, best known for his leading role in The Phantom of the Opera. Lewis passed away on Monday, October 6, at the age of 46, following a battle with bowel cancer, which he was diagnosed with in February last year.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his friend and Australian TV host, Todd Woodbridge, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, honoring both Lewis’s professional accomplishments and personal character.
“Today we lost Ben Lewis one my families dearest friends way to young and the Australian Musical Theatre family also lost one of the greats!” Woodbridge wrote.
He highlighted Lewis’s powerful stage presence, noting his key performances: “Ben was a star on stage as Phantom in Love Never Dies and In Phantom of the Opera on the West End.” Woodbridge further emphasized his personal impact, saying, “More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work with.”
Throughout his distinguished career on the stage, Ben Lewis appeared in a variety of acclaimed productions, including Urinetown, A Little Night Music, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
