Ananda Lewis, former MTV VJ, has passed away at the age of 52

Former MTV video jockey Ananda Lewis, who gained fame as a television personality in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 52 after a battle with breast cancer.

Her death was announced by her sister, Lakshmi Emory, in a Facebook post. 

“She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” Emory wrote in the post. “Lord, rest her soul.”

No additional details were immediately available.

In 1997, Lewis became well-known as an MTV VJ, hosting popular shows like “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone” during the network’s peak. She was hailed as “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl” by The New York Times in 1999.

She left MTV in 2001 to host her own syndicated talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show,” which aired for one season and produced more than 250 episodes.

Opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis in October 2020 on Instagram, Lewis urged women to prioritize early detection. Later in October 2024, she disclosed that her cancer had reached stage IV as she had opted not to proceed with a recommended double mastectomy.

“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” Lewis said in a CNN roundtable discussion. “I wish I could go back. It’s important for me to admit where I went wrong with this.”

In a January essay published in Essence magazine, Lewis emphasized that “prevention is the real cure” for cancer and encouraged women to pay attention to their bodies.

Lewis began her television career hosting BET’s “Teen Summit” in Washington, D.C. At MTV, Lewis interviewed major celebrities including Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears and NSYNC. She also covered serious topics for the network, including the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, who was her close friend.

After leaving MTV, Lewis appeared on various television programs including “The Insider,” A&E’s “America’s Top Dog” and TLC’s “While You Were Out.” She also worked as a contractor and carpenter.

Lewis is survived by her son, Langston, who was born in 2011.