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Ananda Lewis, the beloved television host, journalist, and fierce advocate for Black women’s health, has passed away following a years-long battle with stage four breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi, confirmed the news in a Facebook post.
Ananda Lewis Was The It Girl In The ’90s—We Loved To See Her
Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty
I got to know Ananda later in life, and she left a lasting impression on me. But I was not the only one.
An entire generation of Black women saw themselves reflected in Ananda—smart, grounded, stylish, and unapologetically real. She first captured hearts in the late ’90s as a host of BET’s Teen Summit and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in media when she joined MTV in 1997. Hosting shows like TRL and Hot Zone, Ananda was that girl—elegant, quick-witted, and always ready when the cameras came on.
Though she joked with me once about not having grown up with cable (or seeing the shows she would later host), she became the face of some of its most iconic programming. Ananda connected with audiences nationwide and interviewed some of the biggest stars of the time—from Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears to Brandy and Hillary Clinton.
Ananda Lewis Uses Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis To Empower Others & Raise Awareness
In 2020, Ananda shared with the world that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer—a deeply personal revelation that became a new chapter in her legacy. She explained that she had avoided mammograms for years due to concerns about radiation exposure.
But in true Ananda fashion, she didn’t stay silent. Instead, she turned her story into a platform, using her voice to raise awareness and urge other Black women to prioritize their health.
Even as her cancer progressed to stage four, Ananda stayed intentional. She chose a holistic approach to care and was transparent about not undergoing a double mastectomy despite medical recommendations. She focused on removing toxins and sustaining what she defined as a high quality of life. In February 2025, she published a powerful essay in Essence, where she spoke openly about her journey and the importance of listening to your body:
“We are not meant to stay here forever,” she wrote. “We come to this life, have experiences, and then we go. Being real about that with yourself changes how you choose to live. I don’t want to spend one more minute than I have to suffering unnecessarily. That, for me, is not the quality of life I’m interested in. When it’s time for me to go, I want to be able to look back at my life and say I did exactly what I wanted to.”
That quote captures the spirit of the woman so many knew and admired. Ananda lived by her own rules.
Ananda Lewis’ Legacy Lives On
She was born in Los Angeles in 1973, attended an arts high school, and graduated from Howard University. Her career eventually landed her first big role on Teen Summit, but her influence extended beyond television.
Those who worked with her saw firsthand how dedicated she was to shifting conversations, especially around Black women’s health. She made space for the truth, even when it was hard.
That’s how I came to know her.
I had the opportunity to work with her as she began sharing more about her cancer journey publicly. She was passionate about getting in front of audiences that mattered—especially Black women—and making sure her story helped someone else.
She leaves behind a legacy rooted in voice, vision, and impact. And for the women who grew up watching her—and for those of us who got to learn from her, laugh with her, and work with her—today is tough.
Rest in power, Ananda.
Scroll to see pictures of Ananda through the years.
1. Ananda Lewis Ate In 1999 At The MTV Music Awards
Source: Getty
Ananda Lewis is serving the girls at the 1999 MTV Music Awards in NYC. Get into the black, the leather, and the body! Ananda has always been that girl.
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