Ananda Lewis Former MTV VJ and Health Advocate Dies at 52 After Cancer Battle
Ananda Lewis trailblazing MTV VJ and breast cancer advocate has died at 52 Her powerful legacy spans television activism and her courageous fight with cancer .
Introduction
Ananda Lewis beloved former MTV VJ and influential media personality known for her honesty and passion for advocacy has passed away on June 11 2025 at the age of 52 She died in Los Angeles after a long battle with breast cancer .
Early Life & Rise in Media
Born on March 21 1973 in San Diego California Ananda Lewis was of African American and Native American heritage She graduated cum laude from Howard University in 1995 where she majored in history .
Her career in media began with her breakout role on BET’s Teen Summit a groundbreaking talk show for young audiences During her time there she interviewed high profile figures including First Lady Hillary Clinton and quickly gained national attention for her sharp interviewing skills and poise .
Also Read : At Least 290 Killed in Air India Crash
MTV Stardom
In 1997 Lewis joined MTV where she became a household name She cohosted hit programs such as Total Request Live and Hot Zone standing out in a male dominated industry with her natural charisma and intellect Her presence was so powerful that The New York Times dubbed her the hip hop generation’s reigning It Girl in 1999 .
Known for her sincerity cultural awareness and commitment to meaningful storytelling Lewis helped shift MTV’s tone to be more socially conscious inspiring a generation of young viewers .
Transition & Diverse Roles
In 2001 Lewis made the bold decision to leave MTV at the height of her fame to host her own daytime talk show The Ananda Lewis Show Though short lived the show reinforced her commitment to impactful conversations .
She continued her media career as a correspondent on The Insider 2004–2005 and participated in the reality show Celebrity Mole Yucatán Later she hosted home improvement and reality TV programs for A&E and TLC including a 2019 reboot of While You Were Out In an unexpected career turn Lewis also trained as a carpenter embodying her belief in hands on transformative work .
Breast Cancer Journey
Ananda Lewis’s public battle with cancer began in October 2020 when she revealed she had been diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in early 2019 She discovered the lump through a self exam but admitted she had delayed mammograms due to fears about radiation exposure — a decision she later deeply regretted .
Eschewing conventional treatment paths Lewis opted for holistic therapies and radiation while choosing not to undergo a double mastectomy Unfortunately by 2024 her cancer had advanced to Stage IV spreading to her lymph nodes bones and abdomen .
During a CNN roundtable in October 2024 she opened up about her health mortality and the lessons she had learned stating I’m not afraid to die but I don’t want to die yet .
Final Advocacy & Legacy
Just three months before her death Lewis posted a poignant video message urging fans to take breast cancer seriously .
Prevention IS the cure … learn how to avoid cancer
In January 2025 she penned an emotional essay for Essence emphasizing the need to live with intention forgive and stay present She remained committed to raising awareness about early detection encouraging self checks and regular mammograms as essential tools in the fight against breast cancer .
Passing & Tributes
Ananda Lewis died on June 11 2025 in Los Angeles Her passing was announced by her sister Lakshmi Emory who wrote on social media .
She’s free and in His heavenly arms Lord rest her soul
Tributes poured in from former colleagues celebrities and fans MTV and many in the entertainment industry honored her as a powerful voice in youth culture live television and women’s health .
Remembering Ananda Lewis
Ananda Lewis is survived by her son Langston born in 2011 She will be remembered not only as a trailblazer in television but also as a fearless advocate for wellness and truth Her journey — marked by purpose vulnerability and strength — continues to inspire conversations about health healing and empowerment .