The beloved Ananda Lewis, renowned for her vibrant presence on MTV as a veejay and host of iconic shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone, has tragically passed away at the age of 52. Her dynamic personality and engaging interviews left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture.

The heartbreaking news of Lewis’ demise was confirmed by her sister, Lakshmi Emory, in a heartfelt post on Facebook. In 2020, Lewis bravely shared her battle with breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular mammograms. Her advocacy for women’s health and cancer awareness resonated widely, inspiring many to prioritize their health.

In her final Instagram post from February, Lewis passionately stated, “prevention is the cure. If you’re in a healthy body, you’re holding a winning lotto ticket. PLEASE learn how to avoid cancer. Because you still can.” Her words reflect her commitment to health and her desire to empower others. Lewis is survived by her beloved son, Langston, who is now 14 years old, ensuring her legacy will continue through him.

Ananda Lewis was born in Los Angeles and pursued her education at Howard University, where she developed her passion for communication and media. She achieved cultural prominence during the late 1990s as a popular MTV veejay. After joining the network in 1997, she became the vibrant host of various programs, including the fan-favorite countdown show Total Request Live and the engaging Hot Zone, which showcased music videos alongside her insightful interviews with artists. Additionally, the network entrusted her to host specials addressing critical issues like school violence following the tragic Columbine shooting in 1999 and a tribute program commemorating Aaliyah after her untimely death in 2001.

In 2001, Lewis launched her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which further solidified her presence in the entertainment industry. She later served as a correspondent on the Entertainment Tonight spin-off, The Insider, before making a surprising career shift to pursue her passion for carpentry. Her last notable project was as the host of TLC’s While You Were Out, where she showcased her creativity and home improvement skills.

Fellow former MTV veejay Dave Holmes took to social media to honor Lewis, expressing his grief with a touching tribute: “Well, this is awful. Ananda Lewis has died. She was the best: friendly, funny, kind, clever, cool, committed, passionate, patient, stylish, and smart. If you were working with her, you knew you’d be having fun, and you’d want to step your game up to match her effortless charisma. You couldn’t, but the trying made you better. We bonded over our shared love of this song, it has reminded me of her ever since, and now it always will. All my love to her family.” This heartfelt message highlights the profound impact Lewis had on those around her.