Former American MTV talk show host Ananda Lewis has died at the age of 52.
Her passing was announced by her cousin, Felece Antoinette, in a heartfelt Facebook post on June 11, 2025.
“My beautiful, gifted, multitalented, funny, intelligent, witty and brave cousin, TV personality Ananda Lewis, gained her wings today. No more pain,” wrote Felece Antoinette.
Ananda had been battling cancer since 2020, when she was first diagnosed with stage III breast cancer following a self-examination.
Ananda Lewis Journey
Moreover, the former TV host revealed that she had chosen not to undergo a double mastectomy, a surgical operation to remove a breast.
Instead, she decided to keep the tumour and try to heal through alternative methods.
In an interview, she explained that her initial plan focused on removing toxins from her body, believing in the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
“I wish I could go back. I need to admit where I went wrong with this,” said Ananda while expressing her regrets.
However, Lewis revealed in October 2025 of last year that her cancer had progressed to stage IV.
Lewis leaves behind her 14-year-old son, Langston, whom she had with Harry Smith, the younger brother of actor Will Smith.
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Breast Cancer Awareness
While she was alive, Ananda used her diagnosis to raise awareness, urging her followers to keep up with their mammograms. She openly shared that postponing hers had played a role in the late-stage discovery of her cancer.
“I want you to share this with the women in your life who might be as hesitant as I was,” she said at the time.
She advised women to prioritize regular mammograms, saying that early detection, especially when it comes to breast cancer, can potentially save lives.
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About Her Career Journey
Lewis rose to prominence in the 1990s as a familiar face on MTV, where she hosted “MTV Live” and appeared in several other programs that defined the network’s era.
In 2001, she launched her talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which featured more than 250 episodes.
Her passion for the arts began early. She spent years practising her skills in theatre, music, dance, and photography at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.
She later attended Howard University in Washington, D.C, where she became actively involved in youth advocacy.
As part of the Youth Leadership and Development Institute (YLDI), she trained teens through a program called “Youth at Risk.”
It was her time at YLDI that sparked her interest in television, ultimately leading her to audition for BET’s Teen Summit, where she went on to become the host.
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Former American MTV talk show host Ananda Lewis PHOTO/ Felece Antoinette
