EastEnders and West End star dies ‘way too young’ as tributes paid to ‘wonderful’ actor
Phantom Of The Opera star Ben Lewis has died at the age of 46
West End and EastEnders actor Ben Lewis has died at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. He was best known for appearing in Phantom Of The Opera.
The Australian star’s death was announced by his friend, television host Todd Woodbridge, who described him as a “great human” and “wonderful mentor”.
Todd said on Instagram: “Today we lost Ben Lewis, one of my family’s dearest friends way too 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 on the West End.
“More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he worked 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.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who created Love Never Dies, also posted a tribute to the performer.
The musicals legend said on Instagram: “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.”
He finished: “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.”
The stage actor with diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in February 2024, with a GoFundMe set up to help cover costs.