Beloved Australian musical theatre performer Ben Lewis has passed away, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 47.
Lewis, who gained international acclaim for his role as The Phantom in Love Never Dies and The Phantom of the Opera, had spent recent years not only contending with his own illness, but caring for his wife, actress Melle Stewart, who suffered a rare stroke following a COVID-19 vaccination in 2021.
Stewart was just 40 when she experienced vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) – a rare blood clotting condition – after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine during the pandemic.
She was rushed to hospital after waking at midnight feeling unwell, and later underwent brain surgery and spent weeks in intensive care on a ventilator. Doctors confirmed the stroke was caused by VITT.
Despite the trauma, the couple shared in 2023 that they remained pro-vaccination.
“Obviously, if you’re gonna win a lottery you’d prefer it was the other one,” Lewis said.
Following Stewart’s stroke, the couple left their successful careers in London’s West End to return to Brisbane, where Lewis became her primary carer as she relearned how to walk and talk.
In February 2023, the Lewis family shared the heartbreaking news of Ben’s cancer diagnosis on a public fundraising page.
“In February last year, our beloved Ben was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” it read.
“He had no symptoms but by the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
“Following major surgery to remove the primary tumour, he began intensive chemotherapy treatment.
“Despite his strength and determination, the cancer has proved to be quite aggressive and resistant to the chemotherapy drugs.
“Liver surgery followed and more chemotherapy but sadly the cancer has continued to spread.
“In April this year, scans revealed tumours in the liver, lungs and pelvis, too many to remove surgically or treat with radiation.
“Ben’s cancer is now considered incurable.”
The fundraiser gathered over $180,000 in support, with the family sharing that Lewis’s greatest concern was not for himself – but for his wife.
“Ben’s greatest concern is not for himself – it’s for Melle, and that he will be leaving her before their journey is complete.”
In a personal message, Lewis later thanked supporters and reflected on the long journey they had endured together.
“Five years ago, when the pandemic hit, we could never have imagined that we would be where we find ourselves today,” he wrote.
“But the sheer strength and determination that my incredible wife has shown throughout this period, has taught me the importance of putting one foot in front of the other, staying as present as you possibly can, and being grateful for all the amazing family and friends that we have in our lives.”
His death was confirmed by his sister-in-law, Christina O’Neill.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Ben who left us this morning, October 6. His wife, Melle, was by his side,” she said.
“He was so deeply and incredibly loved.”
Tributes have poured in from across the theatre world, with Phantom composer Andrew Lloyd Webber among those expressing their sorrow.
“Ben Lewis will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world,” Webber said.
He extended “heartfelt condolences” to the Lewis family, adding that he felt a personal connection to the tragedy, having lost his own son, Nick, to bowel and stomach cancer.
Fellow Australian actress Lucy Durack said she hoped Lewis had been reunited with another beloved member of the theatre community, the late Kellie Dickerson.
“I hope Kel is up there giving Ben a welcome hug,” she said.
Theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh also paid tribute, writing, “It was a tremendous shock to hear the tragic news.
“The theatre has lost a very special and much loved talent far too early in what would certainly have been a long and brilliant career.”
Ben Lewis is remembered not only for his extraordinary stage presence, but for his compassion, humour, and enduring devotion to his wife. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unforgettable performances.
Images: Instagram
