The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Ananda Lewis, the respected MTV VJ and talk show host who became a voice of her generation.
She passed away at 52 after a years-long battle with stage IV breast cancer, her sister Lakshmi Lewis confirmed in an emotional Facebook post.
A Star’s Journey
Lewis rose to fame in the late ’90s as a charismatic MTV VJ, hosting Total Request Live and Hot Zone with a rare blend of wit, warmth, and unfiltered honesty. Prince once hailed her as “Cleopatra… a queen,” while The New York Times crowned her “the hip-hop generation’s It Girl.”
After leaving MTV in 2001, she launched The Ananda Lewis Show, tackling tough topics like youth violence and grief, including the death of her close friend Aaliyah.

Her Private Battle
Lewis revealed her 2020 breast cancer diagnosis in interviews, urging women to prioritize early detection.
She later admitted regret over skipping mammograms, writing in Essence: “Prevention is the real cure.” Despite initially refusing a double mastectomy, she continued advocating for health awareness as her cancer advanced.
A Howard University graduate, Lewis also worked as a carpenter and contractor, showcasing her versatility. She leaves behind her son, Langston, born in 2011.