Who Was Ananda Lewis? Beloved MTV VJ Dies at 52 After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle

Ananda Lewis, the popular ex-MTV VJ and TV host, died at 52, according to her sister Lakshmi Emory in a touching Facebook message. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” Emory posted. “Lord, rest her soul.”

Lewis had been open about her struggle with breast cancer, initially diagnosed as Stage III in 2020. She chose alternative therapies and delayed a mastectomy. However, by October 2024, she revealed that her cancer had progressed to Stage IV, stating, “I’ve decided to keep my tumor.”

A Celebrated Career in Television

A Howard University alumna, Lewis got her start in television as a host of BET’s Teen Summit, where she received national exposure. Her popularity then catapulted her into high-profile positions on MTV, such as Total Request Live and Hot Zone, for which she earned several NAACP Image Awards. Fans loved her charm, intelligence, and sincerity.

Ananda Lewis has passed today after losing her battle to cancer.

Grew up watching her host on MTV & BET. She was an example to me that I could become successful going to college for Mass Communication. Which I did. May her soul rest in peace.

Fuck Cancer! pic.twitter.com/D8FPGLQEeH

— PrimeEraHouse (@PrimeEraStore) June 11, 2025

She started her syndicated daytime show, The Ananda Lewis Show, in 2001 and also worked as a correspondent for The Insider from 2004 through 2005. Her last television appearance was in 2019 on TLC’s While You Were Out.

Aside from TV, Lewis did other things. She moved into carpentry and obtained a trade certificate, demonstrating another aspect of her ability and dedication to self-improvement.

ANANDA LEWIS, my sister, friend, fellow MTV alumni, rest peacefully. You were brilliant and beautiful in all ways. Loved getting your text messages, messages of wisdom and support. #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/RfTPs86jpG

— Kevin Powell (@kevin_powell) June 11, 2025

Outpouring of Tributes

Fellow fans and artists mourned and lauded her on social media. One person posted, “Grew up watching her host on MTV & BET. She was an example to me that I could become successful by going to college for Mass Communication. Which I did. May her soul rest in peace.”

Poet and activist Kevin Powell posted, “ANANDA LEWIS, my sister, friend, fellow MTV alumni, rest peacefully. You were brilliant and beautiful in all ways. Loved getting your text messages, messages of wisdom and support.”

The life and work of Lewis touched many, and her legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment and beyond will live on.