Andrew Lloyd Webber is among the prominent figures who have paid tribute to Ben Lewis, an esteemed Australian stage actor who has passed away at the age of 46. Known for his acclaimed performances in the title role of Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies in both the West End and Australia, Lewis succumbed to bowel cancer.
The tragedy marks the second devastating blow for his family. His wife, actress Melle Stewart, suffered a rare stroke after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic at just 40 years old. Lewis had been her primary caregiver as she relearned to walk and talk, prompting the couple to leave their flourishing careers in London to return to Brisbane.
Family and Industry Tributes
Lewis’s sister-in-law, Christina O’Neill, shared the heartbreaking news of his death online. “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 stated. “He was so deeply and incredibly loved.”
Musical legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed the music for Phantom, expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to Lewis’ family. “Ben Lewis will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world,” Webber remarked. The composer noted a personal connection to Lewis’ “horrible” cause of death, having also lost his son, Nick, to bowel and stomach cancer.
Renowned theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh described the news as a “tremendous shock,” saying, “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.”
A Battle Against the Odds
The Lewis family, including his brother Alexander, also a performer, had previously shared updates about Ben’s health on a fundraising page. “In February last year, our beloved Ben was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” the page revealed. “He had no symptoms, but by the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver.”
“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, which raised over $180,000, aimed to support Melle and cover expenses. “Ben’s greatest concern is not for himself — it’s for Melle, and that he will be leaving her before their journey is complete,” the page stated.
Resilience Amidst Personal Trials
In a message addressing their situation, Lewis expressed gratitude for the support they received. “Five years ago, when the pandemic hit, we could never have imagined that we would be where we find ourselves today,” he said. “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.”
Despite the ordeal, the couple remained pro-vaccination. Stewart nearly died after experiencing a stroke caused by vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) following the AstraZeneca jab. “Obviously, if you’re gonna win a lottery you’d prefer it was the other one,” Lewis had remarked.
They later returned to Australia and became part of a case for compensation. Tributes also poured in from the theatre community, including from Aussie actress Lucy Durack, who hoped Lewis was now with another late Australian theatre figure, Kellie Dickerson. “I hope Kel is up there giving Ben a welcome hug,” she said.
Looking Forward
The passing of Ben Lewis leaves a significant void in the theatre world. His legacy, however, will endure through his memorable performances and the impact he had on colleagues and audiences alike. As the theatre community mourns, there is also a renewed focus on the importance of cancer research and support for those affected by similar health crises.
As the Lewis family navigates this profound loss, their resilience and the outpouring of support from friends and fans alike serve as a testament to the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences in the arts.
