SOTD – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of this beloved actor, He just died from bowel cancer at the age of 46!

The global performing arts community is navigating a profound season of mourning following the untimely passing of Ben Lewis, a luminary of the West End and Australian stages. At just 46 years old, Lewis succumbed to an aggressive battle with bowel cancer on October 6, 2025. Known internationally for his definitive portrayal of the titular character in The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel, Love Never Dies, Lewis was more than a performer; he was a cornerstone of the musical theater industry. His death highlights the devastating reality of early-onset colorectal cancer symptoms and the critical importance of proactive healthcare screenings for young adults. In a career defined by vocal mastery and dramatic intensity, his final chapter was marked by a level of resilience and self-sacrifice that transcended his on-stage accolades.

Born into a lineage of classically trained opera singers in London, Lewis was destined for a life of vocal performance excellence. He refined his craft at the prestigious Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), institutions known for producing the elite tier of global talent. His early career in Sydney saw him master diverse roles in productions like Urinetown and A Little Night Music, demonstrating a versatility that made him a favorite among theatrical directors and casting agents. However, it was his 2011 turn as the Phantom in the original Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies that secured his status as a “once-in-a-generation” talent. His performance was so definitive that it was filmed by Universal for global distribution, ensuring his intellectual property and legacy would be preserved for future generations of theater aficionados.

The narrative of Ben Lewis is not merely one of professional triumph, but of staggering personal fortitude. In 2021, the family faced a life-altering crisis when Ben’s wife, the acclaimed Australian actress Melle Stewart, suffered a catastrophic stroke at age 40. The medical event, linked by specialists to the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, resulted in nearly nine months of intensive hospitalization and a permanent shift in their family dynamic. During this period, Ben transitioned into the role of a dedicated primary caregiver, navigating the complexities of neuro-rehabilitation and disability advocacy with the same precision he brought to his musical roles. His commitment to Melle’s recovery, while maintaining his own career, became a testament to his character—a man whose “soul was as grand as his voice,” as described by those in the integrated wellness and mental health sectors.