Beloved Australian theatre star Ben Lewis has died at just 46 after a brave two-year battle with bowel cancer. The Phantom of the Opera star passed away in Sydney, leaving behind a legacy that moved audiences around the world.

“Ben was one of the greats — funny, kind, and endlessly talented,” wrote TV host Todd Woodbridge in a heartfelt tribute. “He was not just a star on stage, but a wonderful human being.” Fans and friends across the theatre community have flooded social media with messages of love and grief.

Lewis rose to fame performing in Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, earning critical acclaim and a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor. His other credits include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Spamalot. Beyond the spotlight, he was devoted to his wife, actress Melle Stewart, whom he supported after she suffered a severe stroke during the pandemic.

“His voice, his presence, his heart — unforgettable,” one fan wrote. Ben Lewis’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for Australian theatre. But his music, spirit, and kindness will continue to echo on every stage he graced.