Andrew Lloyd Webber is among the big names who have paid tribute to an Australian stage actor who has died aged just 46.
Ben Lewis, who was best known for his acclaimed performances in the title role of Phantom of the Opera and sequel Love Never Dies in the West End and Australia, died after a diagnosis of bowel cancer.
However, in an unthinkable twist, it is the second tragedy to strike the family.
Ben Lewis, right, has died after a bowel cancer diagnosis. (Supplied)
Lewis had been her carer as she learned to walk and talk again and the couple left their successful London careers to return to Brisbane.
Lewis’s sister in law, Christina O’Neill, shared the news of his death online.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Ben who left us this morning, October 6. His wife, Melle, was by his side,” she said.
“He was so deeply and incredibly loved.”
Musical great Lloyd Webber, who wrote the music for shows including Phantom, said he sent his “heartfelt condolences” to Lewis’ family.
Ben Lewis as the Phantom in Love Never Dies in Melbourne in 2011. (Angela Wylie)
“Ben Lewis will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world,” he said.
The musical maestro said he felt a personal connection Lewis’ “horrible” cause of death as he also lost his son, Nick, to bowel and stomach cancer.
The Lewis family, including his brother Alexander, also a performer, announced the sad update earlier this year on a fundraising page.
“In February last year, our beloved Ben was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” it said.
“He had no symptoms but by the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and liver.
“Following major surgery to remove the primary tumour, he began intensive chemotherapy treatment.
“Despite his strength and determination, the cancer has proved to be quite aggressive and resistant to the chemotherapy drugs.
“Liver surgery followed and more chemotherapy but sadly the cancer has continued to spread.
“In April this year, scans revealed tumours in the liver, lungs and pelvis, too many to remove surgically or treat with radiation.
“Ben’s cancer is now considered incurable.”
Ben Lewis and Melle Stewart, right, after she suffered a stroke. (Supplied)
Ben Lewis had been living in London, where he was an acclaimed musical star. (Supplied)
It detailed how he was the primary carer for wife, Melle, after her stroke.
The fundraiser aimed to help her in the future as well as pay expenses and gathered over $180,000.
“Ben’s greatest concern is not for himself — it’s for Melle, and that he will be leaving her before their journey is complete,” it said.
Lewis himself later thanked people in a message which addressed the devastating development for the couple.
“Five years ago, when the pandemic hit, we could never have imagined that we would be where we find ourselves today,” he said.
“But the sheer strength and determination that my incredible wife has shown throughout this period, has taught me the importance of putting one foot in front of the other, staying as present as you possibly can, and being grateful for all the amazing family and friends that we have in our lives.”
The couple in 2023 told nine.com.au how they remained pro-vaccination despite what had happened.
Ben Lewis with musical theatre composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber who has paid tribute after his death aged 46. (The Age)
Stewart almost died after she “woke up at midnight feeling funny” at their London home after the jab.
She had to have part of her brain removed and spent weeks in intensive care on a ventilator in hospital.
Doctors confirmed she had vaccine-induced thrombocytopenic thrombosis (VITT) – blood clotting – which had caused a stroke.
“Obviously, if you’re gonna win a lottery you’d prefer it was the other one,” Lewis said.
Melle Stewart showed she had been vaccinated after having her jab, which then later caused a stroke. (Supplied)
“I hope Kel is up there giving Ben a welcome hug,” she said.
Big-name theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh said it was a “tremendous shock” to hear the “tragic news”.
“The theatre has lost a very special and much loved talent far too early in what would certainly have been a long and brilliant career,” he said on social media.