Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis Dies After Breast Cancer Battle
A vibrant presence on BET’s “Teen Summit” and MTV’s “Total Request Live,” she was beloved by fans and colleagues alike
Graduated from Howard University in 1995; launched her career as the host of BET’s “Teen Summit
Joined MTV in 1997; hosted “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone,” hailed as “hip‑hop generation’s reigning It Girl
In 2001, launched her own syndicated show, tackling serious issues; later became a correspondent for The Insider
Transitioned careers—became a licensed carpenter and led the 2019 TLC revival “While You Were Out
Discovered her disease after delaying mammograms. She urged fans to undergo regular screenings
Expressed regret for relying on alternative treatments and skipping surgeries—wished she’d listened to medical advice
By late 2023, the disease metastasized to her spine, hips, and lymph nodes—she continued urging detection and trust in doctors
Her sister announced her passing on Facebook: “She’s free… in His heavenly arms