Ananda Lewis, one of everybody’s favorite former MTV VJs and television hosts, 52. Noted for her dynamic spirit as much as her acclaimed career, Lewis was born March 21, 1973 in Los Angeles. Her tenure in the entertainment industry started back in 1993 when she arrived at BET to host their show “Teen Summit.” From there, she became what is perhaps the most recognizable face on television. She hosted hit shows such as “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone,” and earned accolades for her contribution to MTV.
In 2001, she climbed her highest peak in her career with “The Ananda Lewis Show.” This hybrid talk show format provided her with an intimate atmosphere to engage one on one, and more personally than ever, with voters. Lewis was a national correspondent on “The Insider” from 2004-2017. This new position deepened her roots in the national media terrain. Her energetic hosting style and down-to-earth demeanor made her a favorite among fans and peers—
When Lewis, an activist and former television host, revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2020, she delivered the news via a deeply vulnerable Instagram video. She wanted to educate the women of her community and inspire them to take action for their own health by scheduling regular mammograms. At the time, she was undergoing treatment for Stage 3 cancer, which later turned into Stage 4.
“I still have a lot of work to do. … I wish I could go back. I have a 9-year-old I need to be here for.” – Ananda Lewis
Lewis opted for homeopathic treatments, including dietary changes and fractionated chemotherapy, choosing to forgo a medically recommended double mastectomy and traditional chemotherapy. She cited her fear of being exposed to harmful radiation as her reason for skipping regular mammograms.
“I couldn’t handle doing such a drastic surgery in my life at that time,” – Ananda Lewis
For the duration of her fight with cancer, Lewis was not shy about sharing that experience. She spoke to the all-consuming challenge of balancing a major, life-altering diagnosis with the demands of regular life.
“Cancer doesn’t come and replace all the other stuff you have to do. Cancer happens on top of your life, and for me, it was just too overwhelming in the beginning.” – Ananda Lewis
Even with the backlash she received for her treatment decisions, Malone’s return journey highlighted the power of self-advocacy and personal understanding.
“None of those people know me and they don’t know the details of my situation,” – Ananda Lewis
In her last years, Lewis embraced playing the hand she was dealt with an inspiring attitude, saying, “I’m thankful for every day that I get.”
“Every day I get, I’m grateful for. What I do is focus on what I can fix. And what I can control.” – Ananda Lewis
Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, announced the tragic news of Lewis’s death on Facebook. It is a profound moment, of course, the end of an extraordinary life, filled with love and resilience.
