As a Black female voice in media, Ananda Lewis’s impact broke many invisible barriers, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for the generation that followed.

Former MTV star and daytime talk-show host Ananda Lewis passed away on June 11, 2025, at age 52 after a courageous battle with stage IV breast cancer, confirmed by her sister Lakshmi via Facebook: “She’s free,

Ananda Lewis, an MTV VJ and talk show host, has died. She was 52. Lewis’ sister Lakshmi took to social media to share news of her death on Wednesday, June 11. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” she said in a Facebook post. “Lord, rest her soul.”