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The former MTV presenter Ananda Lewis died at the age of 52. In the late 1990s she became known as a charismatic Veejay at MTV-later she also used her platform for social issues. In 2020 she made her public that she was ill with breast cancer. Her sister Lakshmi Emory now confirmed her death.
Earlier fame at MTV
Ananda Lewis was born in Los Angeles and studied at Howard University. She celebrated her breakthrough in 1997 when she started as Veejay at the MTV music station. There she moderated successful formats such as “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone”. Her interviews with artists: inside and their natural charisma quickly made them one of the most popular faces of the station.
MTV not only used her as a music presenter-Lewis was also selected as a moderator in 2001 for special broadcasts on serious topics such as the Columbine-Amoclauf 1999 or the death of R&B singer Aaliyah.
First talk show, then craft
In 2001 Lewis received her own talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show”. Later she worked as a correspondent for “The Insider”, a spin-off from “Entertainment Tonight”. But instead of pursuing a classic television career, Lewis chose an unusual step: she withdrew and completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter.
Open words about illness and prevention
In 2020, Lewis revealed to the public that she had breast cancer. She confessed to avoided mammographies for fear or uncertainty for years – a mistake that emphasized herself. In her last Instagram post in February 2025, she wrote: “Prevention is healing. If you have a healthy body, you keep a profit in your hand. Please learn how to avoid cancer because it is still possible.”
With her open handling of the disease, she wanted to encourage other women to prevent. In general, she often used her prominence to address important social issues – from youth violence to women’s rights to health care.
Touching words of your colleague
Lewis leaves her 14-year-old son Langston. Her early MTV colleague Dave Holmes paid tribute to social media with touching words: “She was the best: friendly, funny, lovable, clever, cool, committed, passionate, patient, stylish and intelligent … You wanted to make an effort to keep up with her charisma. You couldn’t-but the attempt did better.”