Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ, Dies of Breast Cancer at 52

Ananda Lewis, a renowned MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away at the age of 52.

On Wednesday, June 11, Lewis’ sister Lakshmi shared the news of her passing on social media.

In a Facebook post, Lakshmi expressed her gratitude, saying, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”

In 2020, Lewis revealed that she had been diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. She explained that her fear of radiation had prevented her from getting regular mammograms.

Lewis participated in a roundtable discussion with CNN’s Sara Sidner and her college friend Stephanie Elam about breast cancer. During the discussion, she disclosed that she had stage IV cancer after defying medical advice regarding a double mastectomy.

In an interview with Good Morning America in October 2024, Lewis reflected on her decision to avoid the double mastectomy. She stated, “I couldn’t handle doing such a drastic surgery in my life at that time. I was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling my son. Cancer doesn’t come and replace all the other responsibilities you have. It happens on top of your life, and for me, it was just too overwhelming in the beginning.”

Despite her mother’s practice of getting mammograms, Lewis admitted that she had not done them herself. Despite this, she still developed breast cancer.

Lewis emphasized that she had not abandoned medical treatment and was being monitored by doctors while making dietary changes and undergoing fractionated chemotherapy.

Lewis’ career spanned various roles, including hosting BET’s Teen Summit for three seasons and later moving to MTV where she hosted Total Request Live and Hot Zone. She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show.

When asked about what she wanted people to remember her for, Lewis shared her values. She said, “I loved hard, lived loud, and didn’t back away from problems. I loved this life and was okay with letting it go too.”

BET paid tribute to Lewis on Instagram, remembering her as the host of BET’s Teen Summit. They highlighted her role in sparking change and empowering a generation to speak up, love themselves, and think deeper.

Ananda Lewis, a trailblazing voice and truth-teller, left an indelible mark on the world through her brilliance, beauty, and authenticity. Her impact continues to resonate through the countless lives she touched, both on and off screen. We honor her life and legacy as an unforgettable force.