Todd Woodbridge has penned a touching tribute to dear friend and Australian musical theatre performer Ben Lewis.
Ben tragically passed away at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He was best known for his role as Phantom in Love Never Dies and in Phantom of the Opera.
Todd paid tribute to his dear friend Ben Lewis who was lost “way too young”. (Instagram @woodbridge.todd)
“Today we lost [one] of my families dearest friends way too young Ben Lewis and the Australian musical theatre family lost one of the greats!” Todd shared in a touching post on Instagram.
“Ben was a star on stage as Phantom in Love Never Dies and in Phantom of the Opera on the West End.
“More importantly he was one of the great humans, funny, caring and a wonderful mentor to all of the people he worked with.
“So many fond memories of holidays together in Scotland, visiting the dressing rooms of Her Majesty’s Theatre in London to times spent at Wimbledon.”
Todd reflected on the last picture he and Ben took together together at his home.
“Sending our love to all the family tonight,” Todd concluded his post.
Todd reflected on the last picture he took with Ben at his home in June 2025. (Instagram @woodbridge.todd)
In memory of Ben, Todd shared a carousel of pictures of him performing on stage as well as many of the pair catching up over the years.
According to a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for Ben’s cancer treatment, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2024.
He had no symptoms but by the time it was discovered the cancer had already spread.
Todd and Ben together at one of his performances. (Instagram @woodbridge.todd)
Despite major surgery and intensive chemotherapy, by July 2025, the cancer continued to spread and was considered incurable.
Ben was also the primary carer for his wife Melle who in 2021, at 40 years old suffered a life-altering stroke.
Despite his own declining health, Ben dedicated years to Melle’s rehabilitation.
Ben was a primary carer for his wife Melle after she suffered a stroke. (Instagram @woodbridge.todd)
Both Ben and Melle were successful theatre performers in Australia and London.
Over $180,000 was raised for Ben’s treatment, palliative care and Melle’s ongoing care.
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