Former MTV VJ, Ananda Lewis Dies At 52

Ananda Lewis, best known for her time as an MTV VJ in the late 1990s, has passed away at the age of 52.

The news was shared by her close friend, Lakshmi Emory, in a Facebook post on June 11.

Emory, whom Lewis once praised as a “phenomenal sister,” posted a black-and-white photo of Lewis along with the caption, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”

No further details were given, including the cause of death.

Ananda Lewis became a familiar face to many during her MTV days, where she hosted popular shows like “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone”.

In 2001, she launched her own daytime program, “The Ananda Lewis Show”.

In 2019, Lewis was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Despite her doctors advising a double mastectomy, she chose to pursue other options.

In an op-ed published in “Essence” magazine in January 2025, Lewis opened up about her decision to take a more holistic route.

She made lifestyle changes that included cutting out alcohol and sugar, getting monthly ultrasounds, using high-dose vitamin C IV treatments, spending time in a hyperbaric chamber, and practicing qigong.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she learned that her tumor had grown. She then began a form of chemotherapy known as genetically targeted fractionated treatment, which aims to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy ones.

Unfortunately, by October 2023, scans showed that her cancer had advanced to Stage 4. She began receiving care at an integrative treatment center after that.

Looking back, Lewis admitted she regretted not having regular mammograms, saying her fear of radiation held her back. But she urged women to stay informed and proactive about their health.

In her “Essence” article, she encouraged readers to seek out trustworthy information and take steps to protect their health.

She wrote, “Going into 2025, I would say to women: Do everything in your power to avoid my story becoming yours. If I had known what I know now 10 years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up here.”

“I encourage people to look at the information and studies that exist. Seek them out, learn from them and apply the changes to your life, so that you can continue to thrive and live as long as you can.”

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