Ben Lewis of "Phantom of the Opera" passed away at the age of 46

Ben Lewis of "Phantom of the Opera" passed away at the age of 46. Ben Lewis, an Australian musician and actor who was born in 1979, died on Monday, October 6, 2025, following a diagnosis of colon cancer.

Best remembered for his role as the Phantom in the original Australian production of Love Never Dies and in London's West End's The Phantom of the Opera, Ben was a highly regarded and adored artist.

In a heartfelt remembrance, his close buddy Todd Woodbridge wrote, "We lost one of our family's dearest friends way too young." In addition to being a talented performer, Todd recalled Ben as "one of the great humans – funny, caring, and a wonderful mentor."

Both the Australian and West End theatre communities are grieving the death of Ben, who went on to succeed in roles such as The Phantom of the Opera and Company.

He most recently played Larry in Company on the West End, starring Patti LuPone. Ben's performance as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm in A Little Night Music for Opera Australia in 2009 and 2010 was outstanding.

His illustrious career had a profound effect on the musical theater industry.

Company (with Patti LuPone), The Bodyguard, Annie Get Your Gun, Urinetown, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, A Little Night Music, and many more are among his noteworthy theatrical credits from his time in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Lewis was a performer of exceptional talent and integrity, well-known for his strong voice, profound emotional depth, and dominating stage presence.

Since the news came as a huge shock and no one had ever expected such a story, eulogies to his family have taken over social media.

Remember them.