Australian baritenor Ben Lewis, celebrated for originating the Phantom in the Australian production of Love never Dies, has died following a battle with bowel cancer. He was 46 years old.
Lewis’s death marks a important loss for the Australian and British musical theater communities. His acclaimed portrayal of the Phantom-a role he later reprised in London’s West End-earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated following. He leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and a family navigating profound grief.
Born into a theatrical family-the son of opera singers Michael Lewis and Patricia Price-Lewis forged a diverse career across Australia and the United Kingdom. Early Australian credits included productions of Urinetown, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, A Little Night Music, Spamalot, and Metro Street.
His breakthrough role arrived in 2011 with Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.The Australian production was filmed for international release, capturing Lewis’s performance and propelling him to the U.K. There, he continued to grace stages in productions such as Candide, Forbidden Broadway, Love Me Tender, Annie Get Your Gun, Marianne Elliott’s gender-swapped Company, and a U.K., Ireland, and Japan tour of the Bodyguard.
Lewis received the 2012 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his work in Love Never Dies. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a commitment to his craft and a generosity of spirit.
He is survived by his wife, actor Melle Stewart, his parents, and extended family.Lewis served as Stewart’s primary caregiver after she suffered a stroke in 2021.
