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Ananda Lewis
1973 - 2025
Ananda Lewis
1973 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1973
DIED
2025
Ananda Lewis Obituary
Ananda Lewis, a former MTV VJ who hosted "Total Request Live" before leaving the network to launch her own show, died June 11, 2025, of breast cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 52.
Lewis got her start on television as a host with BET's "Teen Summit," for which she once had an opportunity to interview then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. Her work earned her a CableACE Award nomination and an Image Award from the NAACP. The attention landed her a gig at MTV, then still a juggernaut among young viewers. Lewis hosted shows like "Total Request Live" (also known as "TRL"), "Hot Zone," and others. During her tenure on the network, she earned another Image Award, this time for her work on the special "True Life: I Am Driving While Black." In 2001, she left the network and launched her own program, "The Ananda Lewis Show," which lasted one season. She later became a celebrity correspondent for the "Entertainment Tonight" spinoff, "The Insider." In late 2020, she publicly announced that she had been battling breast cancer for two years.
Former star of MTV's "The Real World" Kevin Powell paid tribute to her on the social media platform X: "Ananda Lewis, my sister, friend, fellow MTV alumni, rest peacefully. You were brilliant and beautiful in all ways. Loved getting your text messages, messages of wisdom and support."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)
66 Entries
Tom Berbas
July 19, 2025
Remembering Ananda Lewis, a vibrant presence whose talent, and warmth inspired so many. Holding her loved ones and all who were touched by her life in our thoughts and hearts.
Sincerely,
Tom Berbas
Monika Borkowska
July 11, 2025
I grew up watching Ananda and met her briefly during one of the Miami editions of MTV´s Spring Break. I loved her spirit and her outspokenness. Later on, I followed her on IG and watched her YT videos when she became a carpenter. Homegirl was a true pioneer. Sassy but never messy.
"These bodies are on loan and must be returned."
Shawanda Lewis
July 7, 2025
Such a beautiful person...God loaned you to the world and decided it was time to take you home to be with him...God bless ur family
Prada Thompson
July 6, 2025
How you can show support
Prada Thompson
July 6, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Ananda´s family during this difficult time. Losing someone dear is incredibly hard, and it´s important to remember the love and memories that remain. Rest Easy Queen!
Jill Richmond
July 5, 2025
What a beautiful soul - my condolences to her husband, son and rest of the family .... sending prayers and love
Mr. Jr.
July 4, 2025
My condolences.
Diane Harrison
June 30, 2025
May the family find comfort that only God can give in your time of sorrow. Death is a hurtful thing because it robs us of the joy of seeing our love ones.
Dee
June 29, 2025
My sister, you walked so we could run. I remember watching you on Teen summit as a tween and you were so inspirational in making youth think ahead. The discussions on that show were life saving, in helping arm teens with knowledge and forethought. You were a big sister to so many you didn't know. You touched lives all the way to Oakland, CA and your mission complete. Thank you, sister. You are loved by many.
Shani Jones
June 27, 2025
Ananda was such a beautiful soul, who could be felt beyond the TV screens she lit up. I´ll forever be grateful for her influence on me as a young Black girl with hopeful aspirations to be in television. May she be resting peacefully in the hands of The Father. Her sweet presence will be missed.
Dreas Ducati
June 27, 2025
Ananda treated me with so much kindness and gratitude when we first met at the MTV VMAs ! A true friend to the end ! I will always miss her like an older sister !
ANTHONY BRIGGS
June 25, 2025
MAY SHE REST IN POWER..SHE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT..HER SON LIVES ON THOUGH..RIP ANANDA
Sheryl Hyde
June 24, 2025
Heartbreaking Rest Easy My Deepest Condolences To The Family.
P.Lytonya
June 23, 2025
I was a fan of when she was on B E T ... May she rest in heaven.. We Were the same age
P.Lytonya
June 23, 2025
Hi .. I was a fan of her from afar... Thank you for the memories...Ananda
Brian J.Pitt
June 23, 2025
Ananda Lewis was such a talented woman that displayed strength courage and wisdom. A beautiful soul with a light that touched people in her own way , she will be missed! May her legacy live on as her work continues to a higher power! Love you Ananda
-Brian J.Pitt
Sharon Clinton
June 22, 2025
My condolences and prayers to Amanda Lewis entire family may god protect you all she was a beautiful person rest in peace god has got another beautiful angel
Sandra Nesmith
June 22, 2025
A Beautiful Soul Gone Too Soon, Now take your rest. You will be missed
Safiyah Anayah
June 20, 2025
I remember always watching her show and always thinking what a "Beautiful Goddess" she is , We are the same age ! Heartbroken to hear of her passing , Sending Healing prayers to her Family Fly High Queen
J Edward
June 19, 2025
You're In good company with so many greats that have been called up hither. Your character and charm made its impact on this side of life. Now you have an eternal life which allows you even more freedom. No longer do you have to do research. You can watch from above over your loved ones including your amazing son who had the push and encouragement to graduate on the same day you were called to the home above. What a gift you left him with and you can keep lifting him up with your spirit. You had so much energy it was a joy to watch and hear your opinionated analysis of all things human. Keep shining and flying high. Your love is great amongst all of us who seek encouragement.
Sal troisi
June 19, 2025
May God bless you and your family through this truly difficult time. . Even though we met briefly your memories, we'll never go away. Thank you always for your kindness.
Prada Thompson
June 19, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences for the family's loss. May God provide comfort and peace.
Prada
Tina brown-el
June 19, 2025
My sister thank you for representing the culture of our people and you and aaliyah are back together again God has gained an angel
Andy
June 19, 2025
Fly high Ananda. Thank you for giving my generations great years of tv.
GM
June 19, 2025
You will forever be the Standard to What a Real Goddess is! Love you. RIP! Ms. Ananda Lewis!
Ronald Fields
June 19, 2025
Will love you always
Kelson Ettienne-Modeste
June 18, 2025
Phenomenal person that I was fortunate to encounter.
Impactful presence and lasting memories left with many.
Rest in eternal peace!
HU `95
Laura
June 18, 2025
Goodbye beautiful one, may you rest in Gods loving arms.
Cecelia Deyo-Fox
June 18, 2025
Blessings to Ananda's family, friends, associates and the "PEOPLE OF HER AUDIENCES!" She was so loved and an inspiration to so many over the years. May God grant serenity to fer family!!
Melissa M Francis
June 18, 2025
My condolences and prayers goes straight to Ananda Lewis handsome son lil Langton her mother, sister her whole entire family and friends she was a beautiful soul inside and out (RIP) sweet girl you earn your wings so yessss go ahead and fly high in the sky above the lovely clouds lil sis!
E. Wright
June 18, 2025
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Ananda Lewis who was a wife, a mother, a daughter and no doubt a good friend to all who knew her personally and professionally. "Sorrow" is too small a word for what you are going through and there's not a word deep enough or wide enough to console you.
Just remember, even in times when there are no words, there is hope and comfort knowing that so many people are thinking of the Lewis family and holding you close in their hearts. May you also find comfort knowing that God is aware of your pain and may he give you the strength needed as you continue on this journey of life.
Respectfully,
Carson Loveless
June 18, 2025
Condolences to her family
T Brooks
June 18, 2025
I only knew Ananda from Celebrity Mole where she played with the likes of Corbin Berensen, Stephen Baldwin, and Tracey Gold. Although her appearance was short (she was the first eliminated) she seemed like a very fun and funny person and I wish she would have gone deeper in the game. Sending thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
LaTosha Rogers-Warren
June 17, 2025
Sis you have truly been an inspiration to this world . Rest well sis
Sanae Armstrong
June 17, 2025
May you rest with the Lord and may God grant your son, sister, other family and friends with peace and healing.
Terrie Whitfield
June 17, 2025
My condolences to family and friends,a true queen,she will be missed
Nick
June 17, 2025
Condolences to the family and the many friends and fans of such a beautiful personality. Keeping her son in thoughts and prayer. Always remember, God loves a beautiful heart and Ananda is now bringing smiles in Heaven.
Alicia Wyche
June 17, 2025
Rest in paradise and may your loved ones be strong during this time
Darius Harris
June 17, 2025
I WAS ANANDA LEWIS'S SECURITY OFFICER IN THE LOBBY OF HER SHOW "THE ANANDA LEWIS SHOW AND THE MEMORIES THAT I HAVE OF HER AND HER OF ME AS WE TALKED WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME FOREVER! I SHARED WITH HER IMMEDIATELY THAT SATURDAY BEFORE MONDAY HER SHOW WOULD AIR THAT THEY PUT TOO MUCH MAKEUP ON YOU. YOU LOOK MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL LOOKING NATURAL AS WE LOOMED AT HER PICTURE ON THE WALL. I KEPT UP WITH HER ALL THESE YEARS ON HER WEB PAGE. THE WORLD TRADE TOWERS WENT DOWN THE VERY NEXT DAY ON THE DAY AFTER HER SHOW AIRED ON THAT MONDAY. THAT'S WHY HER SHOW DIDN'T GET OFF THE GROUND BECAUSE PEOPLE STAYED OMESSED UP FOR TOO LONG. SHE DID A FANTASTIC JOB AND I REALLY MISS KNOWING SHE ISN'T AROUND ANYMORE. I WILL NEVER FORGET (HER)!
LaShonda McGill
June 17, 2025
What a beautiful soul inside and out may the Lord continue to comfort your family in this most difficult time!
Tonica J
June 16, 2025
This hurts my heart deeply; I grew up to Ananda and she was always a positive role model and charismatic and authentic voice for youth and hip-hop culture. She will be missed tremendously. Rest in Heavenly peace you beautiful soul.
Crystal Grose
June 16, 2025
On behalf of Generation X, we will miss you so very much Ananda! Thank You for creating a space and a place for us to be seen and heard. Much love, prayers, sincere condolences, and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Lewis Family, Friends, Fans, Community, and all the people you touched. Forever in our Hearts.
Vlyssis Boulware
June 16, 2025
Ananda,
I never had the chance to meet you, but you were my idol. Growing up, I was completely captivated by your beauty, brilliance, and incredible sense of style. Girl, you knew how to get FLYY! I remember thinking, "Wow, I want to be just like her when I grow up."
I bought every magazine you were featured in, and I even used up all of my mom´s printer ink printing your photos to decorate my school binders and bedroom walls.
My heart is heavy knowing you're no longer with us in the physical world, but I truly believe your spirit is still very much present. I'm sending prayers and love to your son, family, and friends during this time.
Thank you for the years you spent educating, empowering, and celebrating our culture. You taught me how to embrace and love myself, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Your legacy is unmatched. Job well done Ananda. Time to Fly High! <3
MB
June 16, 2025
Deepest condolences to family and friends. Enjoyed watching Ananda on various tv shows.
Thaddeus Daniels
June 15, 2025
My ears aswell well as yeyes give a testimony to the nebe isto the beauty of Miss Lewis Spirit as well as hei body, eternally loving
Celeste Palmer
June 15, 2025
Sending Prayers. So missed!!!
Such a beautiful person inside and out!!!!
Scott Chamberland
June 14, 2025
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Claudia barbee
June 14, 2025
My condolences I loved watching her on TV she will be missed
Timothy Cox
June 14, 2025
Rest in Peace Ananda Lewis. You fought the fight - you done very very good, young lady. We're proud of your work here on Earth. God will welcome you with a Smile. Thanks for your sharing your great talents.
Carmen
June 14, 2025
Sending prayers and condolences to your husband, your family, your son to everyone that affected by this tragedy! May she rest In Paradise
Darryl Doleman
June 14, 2025
Rest in sweet beautiful peace. Life well done. You were such an amazing person. We share the same birthday 3-21., 1st day of Spring such a beautiful person you were born. My deepest condolences to you family and love ones, friends. Thank you for bringing so much joy and love to the world.
CASSANDRA MARTIN
June 13, 2025
My Prayers and Thoughts are with her Husband. Son, Mother and Sister. Heaven has gained another Angel
CASSANDRA MARTIN
June 13, 2025
To Ananda Lewis Family and Friends, I give my Deepest Condolences to you in the loss of this Beautiful Angel who left us to soon. Always love watching her in the 90´s on MTV and Brilliant she was an Exceptional, Extraordinary Lady! I always felt close to her although I didn´t know Ananda at all. I fell that I have lost a sister. My Prayers and Thoughts are with her Husband. Sin and her Sister Heaven has gained another Angel
Jerry Garfield Weeks
June 13, 2025
I´m thinking of how wonderful you were as a person on television and your Talk Show. I´m going to miss seeing you in the media. My eyes are starting to tear up just thinking about it. You´re with the most high now. Rest in power young angel
Annette H.
June 13, 2025
My condolences goes out to her husband, son, mother, sister and her entire family on such a loss. She was a beautiful soul gone too soon.
Deames Owens
June 13, 2025
Thank you for touching my life in a way like no one other than you can. I love my friend, Until we meet again. D, C. Owens
Cherie Newberry
June 13, 2025
Ananda,
We Will Always Love You! Forever!
Cherie Newberry
June 13, 2025
Ananda,
You Will Always Be In My Heart! Forever!
Cherie Newberry
June 13, 2025
Ananda,
A Very Special Angel!
Cherie Newberry
June 13, 2025
Ananda,
We Will Be Together Soon In The Kingdom Of Heaven!
Cherie Newberry
June 13, 2025
Ananda,
We Had Lots Of Fun At The Beach!
Blendina simmons
June 13, 2025
My condolences may family continue to stay in prayer
Yolanda Alsup
June 13, 2025
I´m so sorry this happened to you, you will truly be missed rest peacefully in Gods arms no more suffering no more pain
Rachel J
June 12, 2025
With MANY tears I cried yesterday, I have to say this world has lost one of its most beautiful, intelligent, down to earth, and talented gifts!!!!! It was a pleasure knowing you so briefly but you made an impact on me as you´ve done with the World! God will be watching over your Son. Sleep pretty for an eternity
Wayne Anthony
June 12, 2025
My condolence to the family of Ananda Lewis,Much Love from Wayne Anthony in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nancy holbrook
June 12, 2025
She was such a beautiful lady condolences to the family and friends
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