Ananda Lewis, renowned for her role as an MTV VJ in the late 1990s, has passed away at 52. The news was shared by Lakshmi Emory, whom Lewis had previously described as a “phenomenal sister,” in a Facebook post on June 11. Emory’s announcement did not include details regarding the cause of Lewis’s death.
Lewis gained fame through her work on shows like “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone,” and later hosted “The Ananda Lewis Show” in 2001. In 2019, Lewis was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, and she opted against the recommended double mastectomy. Instead, she pursued alternative methods such as diet changes, high-dose vitamin C IVs, and qigong exercise.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis discovered that her tumor had grown, leading her to undergo genetically targeted fractionated chemotherapy. Despite these efforts, a PET scan in October 2023 revealed her cancer had progressed to Stage 4. She subsequently sought treatment at an integrative facility.
Reflecting on her journey in a 2025 op-ed for Essence, Lewis expressed regret over her initial refusal to undergo mammograms due to concerns about radiation. She emphasized the importance of prevention and urged women to inform themselves about available studies and preventative measures. Lewis’s message encouraged others to learn from her experience to avoid a similar path.