The theater world is mourning the loss of a cherished West End star, celebrated for his performances in The Phantom of the Opera and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. Friends and colleagues remember him as a talented performer and a generous, caring mentor whose influence extended far beyond the stage.

The news of his passing was shared on Instagram by Australian TV host Todd Woodbridge, who described him as “one of the greats.” Woodbridge fondly recalled shared holidays in Scotland, backstage visits at London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, and time spent together at Wimbledon. A GoFundMe page was established to support his family, reflecting the outpouring of love and support from fans and the theater community alike.

Ben Lewis, 46, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024. Despite undergoing major surgery and intensive chemotherapy, the illness was aggressive, spreading to his liver, lungs, and pelvis. Born into a family of classically-trained opera singers, Ben trained at London’s Royal College of Music and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

His early career included roles in productions such as Urinetown, A Little Night Music, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He won the Judith Johnson Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Love Never Dies and reprised the iconic Phantom role in London’s West End in 2017 and 2018.