06/11/2025
Ananda Lewis, beloved former MTV VJ and television host, has passed away at the age of 52. The news was shared by her sister, Lakshmi, in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, June 11.
“She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” Lakshmi wrote, alongside a series of broken heart emojis and a black-and-white portrait of Lewis. “Lord, rest her soul 🙏🏽”
Lewis rose to prominence in 1997 as a host on MTV, where she became a fixture on programs like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her charisma, intellect, and authenticity earned her widespread recognition, and in 1999, The New York Times described her as “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl.” She left MTV in 2001 to launch The Ananda Lewis Show, her own daytime talk show.
In 2020, Lewis publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, a condition she initially tried to manage holistically. She later shared that her cancer had progressed to stage IV, following a decision to decline a double mastectomy. In an emotional roundtable discussion in 2024 with CNN’s Sara Sidner and Stephanie Elam, a close friend from college, Lewis reflected on her choices and expressed regret.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent,” she said. “I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.”
In a powerful essay published in Essence in January, Lewis emphasized the importance of prevention and urged women to prioritize their health. “We’re not meant to stay here forever,” she wrote. “When it’s time for me to go, I want to be able to look back on my life and say, ‘I did that exactly how I wanted to.’”
Born in Los Angeles in 1973, Lewis was raised by her mother and grandmother in San Diego after her parents’ divorce. She attended an arts-focused high school, graduated from Howard University in 1995, and began her media career as the host of BET’s Teen Summit, where she once interviewed then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. Her talent quickly caught the attention of MTV executives, leading to her breakout role in New York City.
Despite a challenging relationship with her mother during her youth, Lewis later chose reconciliation over resentment. “I decided to close the chapter on being hateful and resentful toward my mom and open a new one that focused on love, forgiveness and appreciation for her,” she told Teen People in 1999.
During her time at MTV, Lewis became known for more than just celebrity interviews with stars like Destiny’s Child, NSYNC, Britney Spears, and Brandy. She also covered serious issues, including school violence and the tragic death of her friend, singer Aaliyah, in 2001. That same year, PEOPLE named her one of its 50 Most Beautiful People.
After her talk show ended following one season, Lewis transitioned away from the spotlight. She later hosted The Insider, appeared on Celebrity Mole: Yucatán, and fronted shows like America’s Top Dog and While You Were Out. In recent years, she also embraced carpentry and contracting.
When MTV News shut down in 2023, Lewis spoke to PEOPLE about the outlet’s legacy: “A pillar of creative and diverse speech is crumbling. MTV News covered things no one else could. Artists trusted MTV News to tell their stories.”
Throughout her life, Ananda Lewis remained a symbol of grace, insight, and authenticity. Her journey inspired many—on screen and off—and her voice resonated with a generation that grew up watching her.
She is survived by her family, loved ones, and countless fans who will forever remember her strength, brilliance, and unwavering spirit.
