Ananda Lewis, the beloved former MTV host and speak present persona identified for her heat presence and highly effective voice on points impacting youth and communities of colour, has died following a prolonged battle with breast most cancers. She was 52.
Her household confirmed her passing in a press release shared on social media Tuesday morning, noting that Lewis died peacefully at residence surrounded by family members.
Lewis first rose to nationwide prominence within the late Nineteen Nineties as a video jockey on MTV, the place she grew to become a well-known face to a era of viewers on reveals reminiscent of Complete Request Dwell and Scorching Zone. Recognized for her charisma, compassion, and confidence, she shortly stood out as greater than a presenter — she was a trusted voice and cultural connector.
In 2001, she launched The Ananda Lewis Present, a self-titled daytime speak present aimed toward uplifting and informing viewers, significantly ladies and teenagers. The present lasted one season however solidified her status as a considerate interviewer and social advocate.
Over time, Lewis remained energetic in tv, working as a correspondent for The Insider, internet hosting reveals on TLC and A&E, and collaborating in numerous wellness and residential enchancment collection. Off-camera, she was a vocal supporter of holistic well being and Black maternal care.
In 2020, Lewis publicly revealed she had been recognized with stage III breast most cancers two years earlier. She spoke candidly about delaying routine mammograms, later calling that call “the most important mistake of my life.” In interviews, she urged ladies — particularly Black ladies — to prioritize early detection and stay proactive about their well being.
In latest months, she had joined CNN journalist Sara Sidner and others in sharing their experiences with terminal breast most cancers, changing into a fierce advocate even within the remaining levels of her sickness.
Lewis is survived by her son, Langston, her sister Lakshmi, and plenty of shut family and friends members. Her sister wrote in a tribute, “She fought with grace and fact. Now she is free.”
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of authenticity, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to telling the tales that matter. Her voice, as soon as heard every day in dwelling rooms throughout America, will proceed to echo via the lives she touched.
Funeral preparations haven’t but been publicly introduced.