Ananda Lewis, who was a popular host on MTV during the network’s “veejay” era in the late 1990s, has died after battling breast cancer, her sister Lakshmi announced
Tributes have been pouring in for Ananda Lewis, the beloved television host who rose to fame on MTV during the network’s “veejay” era in the late 1990s, after she sadly lost her long battle with breast cancer on Wednesday.
Ananda’s sister, Lakshmi, shared the devastating news on Facebook, but also found solace in the fact that her sister’s suffering had come to an end. In an emotional post, Lakshmi wrote: “She’s free and in His heavenly arms [heart emojis]. Lord, rest her soul [prayer hands emoji].”
Ananda had bravely opened up about her health struggles in a 2024 interview, revealing that her breast cancer had progressed to Stage 4 after she initially declined a mastectomy as part of her treatment.
MTV released a statement saying: “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of beloved MTV VJ, Ananda Lewis. Through her on-air hosting and interviews, Ananda helped raise a generation of music fans. Our thoughts are with her family & loved ones.”
The news of Ananda’s untimely passing has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media where friends and fans are paying tribute to her enduring legacy.
Kevin Powell wrote on X: “ANANDA LEWIS, my sister, friend, fellow MTV alumni, rest peacefully. You were brilliant and beautiful in all ways. Loved getting your text messages, messages of wisdom and support. #cancersucks “
One fan wrote: “Omg Rip to the beautiful #AnandaLewis her sister confirmed,the news. If you’re a 90s/early 2000s baby, then you definitely wanted to be her, at some point! The real ‘It girl’! She just had it! Phuck cancer! Sending love to every person that loved her. Get your rest beauty.”
Another fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “RIP to 90s-2000s MTV ICON Ananda Lewis. She’s passed after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.”
BET, who host the BET Awards, sent their own tribute, writing: “As the host of BET’s Teen Summit, she didn’t just lead conversations—she sparked change, empowering a generation to speak up, love themselves, and think deeper. Ananda brought brilliance, beauty, and authenticity to every space she entered. Her impact lives on through the countless lives she touched, both on and off screen. We honor the life and legacy of Ananda Lewis—an unforgettable voice, trailblazer, and truth-teller.”
One fan reminisced: “#Anandalewis had an effortless persona while being both beautiful and intelligent. She had class, style, charm and brilliance when on-air. Her trajectory was a blueprint for mines. Both HBCU graduates, BET alum and the host of MTV’s flagship show TRL. Rest in paradise queen!”.
Another lamented: “Ananda Lewis was 52. She spoke out against traditional cancer treatments, sharing her beliefs on why prevention should be talked about more. She was beautiful, kind, and strong, and I’m so sad that she’s no longer with us.”
Ananda became a household name presenting iconic MTV shows from the early 2000s like TRL and Spring Break, before taking the reins of her own self-titled talk show in the daytime TV arena.
Moreover, throughout her illustrious career, she also served as a news correspondent for various television networks and lent her voice as a spokesperson for the Humane Society.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
