The Phantom of the Opera and Company star Ben Lewis has died aged 46

Ben Lewis, the West End star of The Phantom of the Opera and Company, has died aged 46.

The news was confirmed by friend, tennis star and TV presenter Todd Woodbridge, who posted a tribute to Lewis on his social media channels. The story was subsequently picked up by Australian news outlets.

Lewis played a coterie of major roles across the world, appearing in the long-running West End production of The Phantom of the Opera and playing the Phantom in the original Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies.

Other West End credits include Larry in Marianne Elliott’s award-winning production of Company (photographed above) as well as the UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2023, Lewis launched a fundraiser over the summer for himself and his wife.

Woodbridge said in a statement: “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! Ben was a star on stage as Phantom in Love Never Dies and in Phantom of the Opera in the West End… more importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he work with… so many fond memories of holidays together in Scotland, visiting the dressing rooms of Her Majesty’s Theatre in London to times spent at Wimbledon… and our last pic together in late June at our home… sending our love to all the family tonight.”

A tribute came from Cameron Mackintosh, who said: “It is a tremendous shock to hear the tragic news that the hugely talented Ben Lewis has passed away at the young age of 46. Ben was a towering presence and a great company leader when he played the title role of the Phantom in his native Australia and then again at His Majesty’s Theatre in London.

Amongst his many other leading roles, Ben was especially impressive as the stoic, handsome long-suffering husband to Patti LuPone’s explosive vodka stinger laced Joanne in the recent Company revival at the Gielgud Theatre. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Melle, and his family and friends both here and in Australia.

“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”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Todd Woodbridge (@woodbridge.todd)

Andrew Lloyd Webber said in a statement: “I first met Ben when he premiered the marvellous Australian production of Love Never Dies in which he played the Phantom. After his huge personal success in the role, he came to London to play Phantom in the original show. His triumph in the role played a huge part in The Phantom of the Opera’s continuing London run.

“I feel a personal connection with Ben’s horrible cause of death. My own son Nick died of stomach and bowel cancer. Had he lived he would have been the same age as Ben when he so tragically died. These dreadful stomach and bowel cancers are increasingly afflicting young men who are ever more often being taken from us so cruelly, so early.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family. Ben will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world.”