Ananda Lewis, the radiant MTV VJ, talk show host, carpenter, model, and fierce health advocate has died. She passed away on June 11, 2025, after a brave battle with breast cancer that she courageously shared publicly.
From Teen Summit to MTV Stardom
Ananda’s journey began long before MTV fame. Born in Los Angeles in 1973, she grew into a bright, inquisitive young woman who majored in history at Howard University. Her big break came with BET’s Teen Summit, where her compassion and realness earned her accolades—including an NAACP Image Award
Then came MTV—where Ananda captivated audiences on Total Request Live, Hot Zone, and other staples of ’90s pop culture. She was not just another host; she was smart, unfiltered, and fearless—once calling out Q-Tip on camera for lyrics she found problematic
Reinventing Herself — Literally
After leaving MTV in 2001, Ananda didn’t fade—she evolved. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show, worked as a correspondent for The Insider, appeared on TLC’s While You Were Out in 2019, and even picked up a toolbox. Yes, she became a carpenter, too, proving there’s no ceiling for Black women who know what they want.
A Public Battle, A Powerful Message
In October 2020, Ananda shared that she’d been secretly battling stage 3 breast cancer. But her story didn’t stop there. Defying the odds, she held on—sharing updates through effect-driven documentaries, Instagram, Essence pieces, and media interviews.
By late 2024, her cancer had progressed to stage 4. Her reflection? A fiery call to action: Prioritize your health. Mammograms are non-negotiable .
Ananda Lewis used every platform she had to speak truth. Whether wielding a mic or a hammer, she stood confident, unapologetic, and inspiring—especially to us Black women who need to hear her voice: stay proactive, be real, and live your truth.
May Allah be pleased with Ananda Lewis pic.twitter.com/5Vh1vUjS43
— Tamorah Shareef Muhammad (@ModestyQueen19) June 11, 2025
and
Ananda Lewis has passed today after losing her battle to cancer.
Grew up watching her host on MTV & BET. She was an example to me that I could become successful going to college for Mass Communication. Which I did. May her soul rest in peace.
Fuck Cancer! pic.twitter.com/D8FPGLQEeH
— PrimeEraHouse (@PrimeEraStore) June 11, 2025
and
Ananda Lewis, the trailblazing former host of BET Teen Summit and MTV VJ, has passed away at 52 following a courageous fight with stage 4 breast cancer. First diagnosed in 2020, Lewis opted for alternative treatments and openly documented her journey, urging others to prioritize… pic.twitter.com/xAvMJMXyjz
— A'ja Smith (@AjaSmith_) June 11, 2025
and
From host of BET’s Teen Summit to MTV VJ to hosting her own talk show, Ananda Lewis continued the path and inspired young Black female television personalities in the ‘90s and ‘00s.
It’s very sad to hear about her passing today. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/lLr99EIJ42
— travis’s video soul. (@travisfromdabk_) June 11, 2025
May she rest in peace.
