Who was Ananda Lewis? Know about the Former MTV VJ who died due to stage 4 breast cancer at 52

Know about Ananda Lewis: Following a protracted fight with stage IV breast cancer, Ananda Lewis, the pioneering MTV VJ turned talk show host, passed away at the age of 52. Her passing has reignited discussions about the significance of screening and the dangers of delaying treatment.
After receiving her diagnosis in 2020, Lewis publicly expressed her remorse about postponing mammograms because she was afraid of radiation and selecting alternative therapies.
Known for her lively singing on songs like "Total Request Live" in the late 1990s, she went on to host her show, gain recognition as a social activist, and even pursue a career in carpentry. Her son and a strong legacy of charm, integrity, and fortitude that transcends entertainment are left behind by her passing, which was confirmed by her sister Lakshmi.
Who was Ananda Lewis?
She was an MTV VJ | Credit: X
Ananda Lewis was an American television broadcaster, carpenter, former model, and social crusader who lived from March 21, 1973, to June 11, 2025 . From the late 1990s until 2001, she was an MTV veejay.
She then left the network to host The Ananda Lewis Show, a syndicated television chat show. From 2004 to 2005, she worked as a correspondent for The Insider. She later pursued a career in carpentry.
She was the host of TLC's 2019 While You Were Out revival. Lewis told her Instagram followers on October 1, 2020, that she has been fighting stage 3 breast cancer for the last two years.
Ananda Lewis's education qualification
Lewis had a strong artistic background, having spent nine years at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts studying dance, theater, music, and photography. Later, while attending Howard University, she mentored at-risk youths and got involved in youth activism through the Youth Leadership and Development Institute (YLDI).
She tried out for BET's "Teen Summit," a youth-focused program that tackles important issues in the Black community because she was passionate about making a positive social impact. She interviewed prominent people, including Hillary Clinton and Kobe Bryant, while hosting the show for three seasons.
In a 2022 interview with BET, she talked about her desire to try out, recalling, "The kids in my program were like, 'you always tell us life comes opportunities and it's your responsibility to step up. You're not going to now? I'm glad I went and paid attention.
Also Read: Who was Tijana Radonjic? A model who died due to panic attack while Parasailing in Adriatic Sea in Budva
Ananda Lewis's career
Ananda Lewis, a renowned TV host and advocate, dies at 52 after battling stage 4 breast cancer | Credit: X
As host of BET's Teen Summit, Lewis initially attracted national acclaim for her work, which struck a deep chord with teenage audiences and brought her respect in the business. She became one of the most recognizable faces on MTV in the mid-1990s after her growing popularity led to significant hosting duties on the network's Total Request Live and Hot Zone. She won several NAACP Image Awards while she worked at MTV.
She started a syndicated daytime talk show called The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001. From 2004 to 2005, she worked as a correspondent for The Insider. In 2019, she made her most recent TV appearance on TLC's While You Were Out. Later in life, Lewis obtained a professional trade certificate in carpentry, another skill he pursued.
After receiving a Stage III breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, she chose to pursue alternative therapies. She freely disclosed to her admirers that the illness has advanced to Stage IV by 2024.
Ananda Lewis's family
Ananda was Native American, primarily of the Creek and Blackfoot tribes, and of African American heritage. "Bliss" is the Sanskrit meaning of her first name. Lewis's father was a computer animation specialist, while her mother was an account manager for Pacific Bell. Lakshmi, her sister, works as a doctor.
When Ananda was two years old, Lewis's parents separated, and her mother relocated to San Diego, California, with her girls in order to be close to her mother. Her husband, Harry Smith, the younger brother of Will Smith and the CEO of Smith Global Media, is her surviving relative. Langston, the couple's only child, was born in 2011.
What was Ananda Lewis's net worth?
She started her show in 2001 | Credit: X
Many people are interested in the financial legacy that Ananda Lewis left for her two children in the wake of her death. The website Cloudflare stated that The Ananda Lewis Show is thought to be worth approximately $8 million , despite the fact that no official data have been made public regarding her net worth.
How did Ananda Lewis die?
After a protracted battle with stage 4 breast cancer, prominent TV anchor Ananda Lewis, a former hostess of the Teen Summit on BET and an MTV VJ, passed away at the age of 52. Her sister Lakshmi confirmed her death in a sorrowful Facebook post, writing, "She's free, and in His heavenly arms."
Rest her soul, Lord. But in 2020, Ananda revealed that she had received a breast cancer diagnosis. She later shared her experience with the world in an effort to raise awareness and stop what she believed to be her mistakes.
Initially, I intended to rid my body of extra poisons. I know that my body is intelligent, yet I still feel that way. During a roundtable interview with CNN in October 2024, she remarked, "Our bodies are brilliantly made." I decided to preserve my tumor and attempt to remove it from my body in a different manner. I want to return. I must acknowledge my mistakes in this.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

'I was seen as a lesser-than girlfriend': Rob Gronkowski's longtime lover Camille Kostek was judged by NFL WAGs for not having a ring on her finger

(Image via Getty: Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek) Why do women judge other women so much? A multi-million dollar question with no definite answer. 'It's just how women are,' 'That's her upbringing,' 'Women are inherently jealous,' 'Never content,' 'They find ways to bring other women down,' and 'Women judge each other on appearance. ' The last reason? That's what happened with Rob Gronkowski's longtime girlfriend, Camille Kostek. She has been with Gronkowski for the past ten years, but her NFL WAGs clan? They are so stuck with Beyonce's Single Ladies track! - 'If you like it, then you should have put a ring on it.' Long story short? Kostek put forth her unfiltered thoughts about NFL WAGs. She said, 'I felt like I was seen as a lesser-than girlfriend because I didn't have a ring on my finger.' 'The woman who judged me the most, she's divorced,' reveals 33-year-old American Model Camille Kostek about an unnamed NFL WAG — eentertainment (@eentertainment) The Sports Illustrated model made a guest appearance on one episode of Kristin Cavallari's Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour. Kristin asked Kostek, 'When everybody found out that you were dating Rob, the other WAGs, how did they treat you?' Camille said the 'energy was off' between her other NFL WAGs. She elaborated, 'I felt like I was seen as a lesser-than girlfriend because I didn't have a ring on my finger. But you want to know what's so interesting about that? The woman that's coming to mind(who) judged me the most, she's divorced.' An NFL WAG who divorced her partner was judging Camille Kostek for not being engaged or married to Rob Gronkowski! Talk about double standards. Talk about hypocrisy. 'The best things came from this f**king breakup': Camille Kostek talks about her breakup with Rob Gronkowski In that episode, Camille Kostek also talked about a roadblock in her long-lasting love story with Rob Gronkowski. It was a breakup that changed her life's direction. She chased her dream after that heartbreaking breakup with the former TE of the New England Patriots. She shared, 'Rob and I met when I was 21 years old. And we've been in each other's lives for 10 years. My first breakup was in 2017, but I think that some of the best things that changed the trajectory of my life came from this f**king breakup that broke me but also allowed me to get in the zone. I didn't care about dating. I felt like I was asexual.' Also Read: 'Evading arrest lil bro?' Antonio Brown, who was under house arrest for attempted murder with a firearm, has left the United States of America | NFL News - Times of India Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

Time of India

4 hours ago

• Time of India

Dwyane Wade's daughter Kaavia James steals spotlight dancing in white lehanga to bollywood song by Arijit Sing

Dwyane Wade's daughter Kaavia James steals spotlight dancing in white lehanga to bollywood song by Arijit Sing (Image Source: Instagram Story) A surprise video shared on Instagram is winning hearts across the internet. It features Kaavia James Union-Wade, daughter of NBA legend Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union , in a moment fans didn't see coming. The clip blends dance, tradition, and global culture and has sparked joy from Hollywood to Bollywood. With just one short post, the family turned an ordinary day into a global celebration. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union post video of Kaavia James in white lehanga On June 22, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union posted a video of their daughter, Kaavia James Union-Wade, dancing on Instagram. She was dancing to the Bollywood song 'What Jhumka?' by Arijit Singh . Kaavia wore a simple but lovely white lehanga and looked happy and confident. Her parents added a short note to the post: 'Ladies and gentlemen, Kaavia James Union-Wade ...' Later dwyane wade reposted the story by @ms_nix with the short note: Our girl (with the white heart) Dwyane Wade's daughter Kaavia James steals spotlight dancing in white lehanga to bollywood song by Arijit Sing (Image Source: Instagram Story) Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade sometimes post little family clips, but this one felt extra special. Gabrielle, known for her work in movies and shows, always encourages Kaavia's playful side. Dwyane, once an NBA great, showed his pride too as their daughter enjoyed her moment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo It was simple, sweet, and full of joy. Kaavia, now six years old, is already loved by fans for her personality. This dance video added another reason to celebrate her. The video was posted on both Gabrielle and Dwyane's Instagram stories and quickly made fans smile. Kaavia James' dance clip gets sweet reactions from around the world Kaavia's little dance won hearts for more than just her cuteness. Viewers loved how she enjoyed a different culture at such a young age. Many praised Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade for letting her explore and express herself. The short video felt warm and joyful, showing how one sweet moment can connect people across the world. Seeing an American child dance in Indian clothes to a Bollywood song made it even more fans wrote about how happy the video made them. Some called it the 'cutest moment of the week.' The video was shared across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Comments came in from both Bollywood and basketball fans. This family moment reminded fans that joy, culture, and love can meet in the simplest ways even in a dance shared on a phone screen. Also Read: Dwyane Wade's wife Gabrielle Union extends her unwavering support for Victoria Monét in a heartfelt post Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

Pink Villa

5 hours ago

• Pink Villa

The Waterfront: Everything About Buckley Family and Their Fishing, Restaurant Business in Eight-Part Thriller

Netflix's The Waterfront is the latest American drama series getting attention from fans of family thrillers like Ransom Canyon. The eight-episode show, created by Kevin Williamson and inspired by real events, dives into the complicated lives of the Buckley family. Set in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, the series focuses on a once-thriving fishing and restaurant business that slowly starts to fall apart, leading to secrets, betrayal, and high-stakes decisions. At the heart of The Waterfront is the Buckley family. Harlan Buckley, the patriarch, runs the family business with his wife Belle. Together, they have two children: Cane and Bree. Harlan also has a son from a previous relationship, Shawn West, making him Cane and Bree's half-brother. A fishing and restaurant empire on the edge The Buckleys own a major fishing operation and a local restaurant, which are central to the town's economy. However, as profits drop, the family is forced to make desperate choices to keep their reputation intact. The drama escalates when illegal activities and shady decisions start to affect not just the business, but also their family bonds. Each member has something to lose, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to stay afloat. Cane Buckley, the son of Harlan and Belle, is married to Peyton and has a daughter named Savannah. His sister Bree was married to Rodney Hopkins, and they share a son, Diller. Meanwhile, Shawn West, Harlan's son from another relationship with a woman named Bebe, is the half-brother to Cane and Bree. The cousins, Diller and Savannah, often get caught in the middle of the family chaos. With all generations involved, parents, children, and even grandchildren, the story shows how one family's decisions ripple through everyone's lives. The family's tight grip on their public image contrasts with the private drama that unfolds in every episode.