Ananda Lewis, celebrated for her captivating presence as a host on both MTV and BET during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 52. Her family announced her death, revealing that she had been battling breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, adding that Ananda is now “free and in His heavenly arms.”
Hailing from San Diego, Lewis gained recognition while hosting BET’s “Teen Summit,” a program that addressed crucial topics affecting Black youth. The show featured illustrious guests, including celebrities, community leaders, and political figures. Lewis also conducted noteworthy interviews with personalities such as Kobe Bryant, Tupac Shakur, Louis Farrakhan, and then-first lady Hillary Clinton. Her impactful work on the show earned her an NAACP Image Award.
After a successful stint with BET, Lewis transitioned to MTV in 1997, where she continued to enchant audiences as a host and VJ on programs like “MTV Live,” “Hot Zone,” and the popular “Total Request Live.” During an interview, Lewis acknowledged experiencing some resistance after her move from BET but emphasized the importance of personal growth. She encouraged young people to seize opportunities, stating that success involves dynamic growth and making the most of every chance.
In 2001, Lewis launched her syndicated talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show,” yet played down expectations of reinventing the daytime TV space. She acknowledged the difficulty of altering a format that had long been established, focusing instead on enhancing the efficacy of existing formulas. Unfortunately, the show ran for only one season. A few years later, she joined “The Insider,” connected to “Entertainment Tonight,” as a correspondent.
In 2020, Lewis publicly opened up about her battle with breast cancer, having been initially diagnosed with stage 3, which later progressed to stage 4. Despite her health challenges, Lewis was determined to share her journey candidly, advocating for regular mammograms. She admitted to initially avoiding a double mastectomy suggested by doctors, choosing alternative treatments before realizing her mistake. Her message was clear: early detection is crucial in managing breast cancer effectively and can be lifesaving. She urged women to prioritize mammogram checkups for their health.
Lewis leaves behind a legacy of warmth, authenticity, and commitment to using her platform for positive influence, treasured by the countless lives she touched throughout her career.