Ananda Lewis, a beloved former MTV VJ, died at the age of 52. The news was shared by her friend Lakshmi Emory on Facebook, stating that Lewis is now “free” and resting in “His heavenly arms.” Emory did not provide details about the cause of Lewis’s death.
Lewis gained fame in the late ’90s as the host of MTV’s “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone.” She subsequently launched her own talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show,” in 2001. In 2019, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer; however, she chose not to undergo the recommended double mastectomy and instead pursued alternative treatments. In a 2025 op-ed for Essence, Lewis discussed her holistic approach, which included dietary changes, high-dose vitamin C IVs, and various alternative therapies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis’s health worsened, leading to genetically targeted chemotherapy that aimed to eliminate cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. Nonetheless, a PET scan in October 2023 revealed a progression to Stage 4 cancer, prompting her to seek treatment at an integrative facility. Throughout her journey, Lewis expressed regret over not having regular mammograms due to fears of radiation exposure.
In her Essence piece, she urged women to take preventative measures, imparting the lesson that informed choices are essential to health. She emphasized, “Do everything in your power to avoid my story becoming yours” and encouraged women to actively seek out information about cancer prevention and treatment. Lewis’s legacy will be remembered not only for her contributions to entertainment but also for her advocacy for health awareness.
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