Todd Woodbridge has delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and renowned Australian musical theatre performer, Ben Lewis. Lewis passed away at the age of 46 after battling bowel cancer.
Todd Woodbridge Pays Tribute to Ben Lewis
Ben Lewis was celebrated for his roles as the Phantom in productions such as “Love Never Dies” and “Phantom of the Opera.” In an emotional Instagram post, Woodbridge expressed his sadness over the loss of Lewis, stating, “We lost one of my family’s dearest friends way too young.”
Celebrated Theatre Performer
Woodbridge highlighted Lewis’s contributions to the Australian musical theatre scene. He affectionately referred to Lewis as “one of the greats,” noting his impressive performances on stage.
- Ben was known for his role as Phantom.
- Performed in “Love Never Dies” and “Phantom of the Opera.”
- Left a lasting impact on friends and colleagues.
A Life Cut Short
Ben Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024. Despite no symptoms at the time of diagnosis, the cancer had already spread extensively. After undergoing major surgery and intensive chemotherapy, he faced an uphill battle against the disease.
By July 2025, the situation had worsened, and the cancer was deemed incurable. Throughout his illness, Lewis was also the primary caregiver for his wife, Melle, who suffered a life-altering stroke at the age of 40 in 2021.
A Dedicated Partner and Performer
Despite his declining health, Lewis remained committed to assisting Melle with her rehabilitation. Both Lewis and Melle were esteemed performers in the theatre circles of Australia and London.
A GoFundMe campaign raised over $180,000 for Lewis’s treatment, palliative care, and Melle’s ongoing support. Todd Woodbridge shared memories of their time together, reflecting on numerous cherished moments, including holidays in Scotland and memorable visits to London’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Remembering Ben Lewis
In his tribute, Woodbridge included images of their time spent together, underscoring the deep bond they shared. He concluded his message by sending love to all of Lewis’s family. The outpouring of support emphasizes Lewis’s significant influence and the love he inspired in those around him.
