Tributes have poured in for the West Finish star, who was finest recognized for enjoying the Phantom within the musical of the identical identify. He died simply days after his spouse suffered a stroke

Ben Lewis, famend for his starring position in The Phantom of the Opera and The Bodyguard, has died at simply 46 following a courageous combat towards most cancers.

The Australian star rose to prominence within the authentic Down Beneath manufacturing of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love By no means Dies, taking up the long-lasting Phantom position earlier than bringing the character to life once more within the West Finish staging of the present.

Although born in England, Ben additionally featured in UK touring productions of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard, while taking up the a part of Larry within the 2018 revival of Firm.

His sister-in-law Christina O’Neill broke the devastating information to supporters, penning: “It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Ben who left us this morning, October 6. His spouse, Melle, was by his aspect. He was so deeply and extremely liked.”

Ben obtained a bowel most cancers analysis in February 2024, and though he confirmed no warning indicators, the illness had already superior to his liver and lymph nodes.

Even after present process in depth surgical procedure and chemotherapy remedy, the most cancers persevered in spreading to his lungs and pelvis, finally turning into terminal.

Andrew Lloyd Webber shared a touching message on social media, stating: “My heartfelt condolences exit to his spouse and household. Ben Lewis can be sorely missed by his many buddies in theatre everywhere in the world.”

He added: “I first met Ben when he premiered the marvellous Australian manufacturing of Love By no means Dies by which he performed the Phantom. After his enormous private success within the position, he got here to London to play Phantom within the authentic present. His triumph within the position performed an enormous half in The Phantom of the Opera’s persevering with London run.

“I really feel a private reference to Ben’s horrible reason for loss of life. My very own son Nick died of abdomen and bowel most cancers. Had he lived he would have been the identical age as Ben when he so tragically died. These dreadful abdomen and bowel cancers are more and more affecting younger males who’re ever extra typically being taken from us so cruelly, so early.”

In the meantime, the Coast Field Workplace stated: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Australian actor and singer Ben Lewis (1979 2025).” “Could you relaxation in peace, Mr Ben Lewis. Phantom of the Opera is my all-time favourite play. Better of the perfect,” stated ine fan.

It wasn’t the one heartbreak to strike his household after his spouse Melle suffered a stroke – with Ben turning into her major carer.

She required a part of her mind to be surgically eliminated following blood clots from vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) – although the pair remained firmly supportive of vaccines afterwards.

A fundraising marketing campaign launched throughout his most cancers combat collected greater than $180,000 to cowl prices and safe her future, explaining: “Ben’s biggest concern will not be for himself – it is for Melle, and that he can be leaving her earlier than their journey is full.”

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