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, renowned for his celebrated performances as the lead in Phantom of the Opera and its follow-up Love Never Dies in both the West End and Australia, has passed away following a bowel cancer diagnosis.

However, in an unthinkable twist, it is the second tragedy to strike the family.

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 announce the passing of our cherished Ben, who left us this morning, October 6th. His wife, Melle, was by his side,” she stated.

“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 will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world,” he said.

The musical maestro expressed a personal connection to Lewis’ “devastating” cause of death, as he had 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.”

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.

“However, the immense strength and resolve my incredible wife has demonstrated during this time has shown me the value of taking one step at a time, staying as present as possible, and being thankful for the wonderful family and friends we have in our lives.”

The couple in 2023 told nine.com.au how they remained pro-vaccination despite what had happened.

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.

“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 community has lost a unique and beloved talent far too soon, in what would undoubtedly have been a lengthy and outstanding career,” he shared on social media.