Ananda Lewis, a former MTV host known for her charismatic personality and thought-provoking interviews, has died at the age of 52 after a long battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Dr. Lakshmi Emory, announced her death on social media late Wednesday.
Lewis first gained recognition in the 1990s as a V.J. on MTV, hosting shows such as “Hot Zone” and “Total Request Live.” She was described by The New York Times as the “hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl” in 1999. Lewis also interviewed numerous celebrities, including Kobe Bryant, Paris Hilton, and Britney Spears, and became known for her lively energy and probing questions.
In recent years, Lewis was open about her fight against breast cancer, sharing her diagnosis on social media and discussing her personal decisions regarding her health. She announced in 2023 that her cancer had progressed to Stage 4, a condition generally considered incurable. Despite her doctors’ recommendation for a double mastectomy, Lewis opted for less invasive treatment and instead chose chemotherapy and other forms of care.
Lewis was born on March 21, 1973, in Southern California and grew up in San Diego. She studied at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts before attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she starred in a music video for the R&B quartet Shai.
In her final years, Lewis spoke candidly about her struggles with breast cancer and her desire to live life on her own terms. Her friend and correspondent Stephanie Elam said that Lewis was “at peace with this decision” before passing away. Lewis is survived by her son, Langston, and sister Lakshmi.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/arts/television/ananda-lewis-dies.html