Who is Melle Stewart, What happened to Ben Lewis’ wife?

Beloved Australian stage actor Ben Lewis, known for his roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 46 following a battle with bowel cancer. In his final years, Lewis became a full-time caregiver to his wife, actress Melle Stewart, after she suffered a devastating stroke linked to a rare vaccine-related condition.

“Ben Lewis spent most of his time taking care of his wife, Melle Stewart, after a catastrophic event, life-changing brain injury.”

In June 2021, Stewart, a talented performer featured in stage productions like Mamma Mia! and Kiss Me Kate, suffered a severe stroke two weeks after receiving her first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. At the time, the couple was based in London, actively working in the theatre scene.

Doctors diagnosed Stewart with Vaccine-Induced Thrombocytopenic Thrombosis (VITT), a rare but serious blood-clotting disorder that, in this case, led to a major stroke. The event left her unable to speak and paralysed on one side of her body.

“She was taken to hospital, where doctors told her she had developed Vaccine-Induced Thrombocytopenic Thrombosis, or VITT, a very rare blood-clotting disorder that can occur after vaccination, in rare instances.”

To relieve pressure on her brain, surgeons removed part of her skull, and she remained in an induced coma for three weeks. Stewart then spent several months in the hospital undergoing intensive rehabilitation. With determination, she eventually relearned how to walk, talk, and write — though she continues to face physical and speech-related challenges.

During this time, Lewis paused his career and devoted himself entirely to Stewart’s care. Friends and family described the couple’s bond as “extraordinary,” noting that Lewis was her constant support as she worked to rebuild her life.

“Ben Lewis became her full-time caregiver, pausing his career to be at her side.”

In 2022, the couple relocated to Brisbane, Australia, to be closer to family while Stewart continued her therapy. Despite the traumatic experience, both Lewis and Stewart remained vocal supporters of public health efforts.

“She remained a staunch advocate for vaccination,” Stewart later said, sharing that she had continued to receive Pfizer doses after her reaction.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched by their families to assist with Stewart’s ongoing therapy and medical expenses. Backed by the Australian arts community, it highlighted the couple’s resilience and Stewart’s dedication to helping other stroke survivors.

“I currently have multiple speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions every week. All of these sessions are helping me regain strength in my leg, my arm, and of course, my speech,” she shared through the campaign.

Sadly, just as Stewart’s recovery began to stabilise, Lewis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in early 2024. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but his condition worsened, leading to his passing in Sydney.

Lewis is remembered not only for his talent on stage but also for his unwavering love and care for his wife during the most challenging time of their lives.