Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis Dies at 52 After Battle with Cancer

Ananda Lewis, former MTV VJ and talk show host known for her vibrant presence and fearless advocacy, has died at the age of 52.

Her sister, Lakshmi, announced her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, June 11. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” she wrote. “Lord, rest her soul.”

In 2020, Lewis publicly shared her Stage III breast cancer diagnosis, revealing that she had avoided regular mammograms due to a fear of radiation. She later disclosed that the cancer had progressed to Stage IV, following her decision to delay a recommended double mastectomy.

“I couldn’t handle doing such a drastic surgery in my life at that time,” Lewis told Good Morning America in an October 2024 interview. “I was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling my son. Cancer doesn’t replace everything else in life—it adds to it. And I was overwhelmed.”

Despite her skepticism about traditional treatments, Lewis remained under medical supervision while exploring alternative approaches like dietary changes and fractionated chemotherapy. “I didn’t turn my back on medicine,” she said.

Lewis first rose to prominence as host of BET’s Teen Summit before joining MTV, where she became a fan favorite on Total Request Live and Hot Zone. In 2001, she left the network to launch The Ananda Lewis Show.

Reflecting on her life, Lewis told GMA, “I loved hard, and lived loud, and didn’t back away from problems. I loved this life—and was OK with letting it go too.”

BET paid tribute to her legacy on Instagram, writing: “As the host of Teen Summit, she didn’t just lead conversations—she sparked change, empowering a generation to speak up, love themselves, and think deeper. Ananda brought brilliance, beauty, and authenticity to every space she entered. Her impact lives on.”

Ananda Lewis is remembered as a trailblazer, truth-teller, and a powerful voice for self-love and courage.