Popular former MTV VJ and talk show host Ananda Lewis died after a courageous and long battle with breast cancer at the age of 52. With the heartbreaking news, her sister, Lakshmi Lewis, took to Facebook on June 11, to share a message.
“She is free, in His heavenly arms”, Lakshmi wrote beside black-and-white photograph of Ananda. She added, “Lord, rest her soul.”
One of the most well-known faces of MTV in the late 90s was Ananda Lewis. She was the voice of a generation as the host of such famous programs like Hot Zone and Total Request Live. In 2001, she left MTV to host The Ananda Lewis Show, a syndicated talk show which focused on social issues and received critical acclaim. The New York Times had earlier referred to her as the IT Girl of the hip-hop generation, a statement that reflected the close connection she enjoyed with the young audience across the nation.
Since her passing, friends, admirers and those in the entertainment industry have mourned in spades. Writer/activist Kevin Powell posted on X (previously Twitter) the message, “Rest in peace, Ananda Lewis, my sister, friend, fellow MTV alumni. You were marvellous and lovely altogether. MTV also posted a statement expressing their sadness over her death, which read, “Ananda was instrumental in creating a generation of music lovers with her on-air hosting and interviews.”
In 2020, Lewis first shared her breast cancer diagnosis on Instagram, saying she received a diagnosis of stage III invasive carcinoma. She admitted that she delayed routine mammograms due to fear of radiation. In January 2019, she had a biopsy after she managed to find a breast specialist. During an interview with Essence.com in January 2024, she revealed, “The doctor recognised me the next day and informed me that the material tested positive, invasive carcinoma.” It was HER2-negative stage 3 breast cancer that was ER/PR positive.
Despite the discouraging diagnosis, Lewis chose to take a less conventional route of treatment. In October 2023, she revealed she had declined a double mastectomy to use alternative approaches in a CNN roundtable discussion with journalist and friend Stephanie Elam and host Sara Sidner. Unluckily, this decision led to an aggravation of her illness, and the cancer metastasized to the IV stage.
Besides her screen charisma, Ananda Lewis will be remembered for her sincerity, courage, and never-failing commitment to empowering people, especially young women of colour. She has left a legacy in the media and the provocative conversations she engaged in about perseverance, identity, and health.
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