Ananda Lewis Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography): 
Ananda Lewis was born on March 21, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, and became a pioneering television personality, model, and social activist. She rose to fame as a BET host before becoming one of MTV's most recognizable VJs in the late 1990s. Ananda graduated Cum Laude from Howard University in 1995 with a BA in History. Her career spanned television hosting, modeling, and later advocacy work. She passed away in June 2025 at age 52 after battling breast cancer since 2020.
Early Life & Education for Ananda Lewis
• Ananda faced adversity from a young age when her parents divorced at age two and her mother traveled frequently.
• She came from mixed African and Native American (Cree and Blackfoot) ancestry, which shaped her cultural identity.
• Lewis graduated Cum Laude from Howard University in 1995, where she discovered her passion for working with young people.
Career Beginnings of Ananda Lewis
• She got her start on BET's topical discussion series "Teen Summit" before moving to MTV.
• In 1997, the NAACP presented Lewis with an Image Award for her work on Black Entertainment Television (BET).
• MTV hired her as one of their VJs in 1997, marking her transition to mainstream television.
MTV Era & Television Success for Ananda Lewis
• She hosted and VJed various shows including MTV Live, Total Request Live, and Hot Zone, interviewing musicians and celebrities.
• Ananda covered serious topics for MTV including school violence and the death of her close friend Aaliyah in 2001.
• She left MTV in 2001 to host her own broadcast syndicated talk show, "The Ananda Lewis Show".
Awards & Recognition received by Ananda Lewis
• The NAACP presented her with an Image Award in 1997 for outstanding work in television.
• PEOPLE magazine named Lewis one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 2000.
• Teen Summit was nominated for a CableACE Award in 1996 during her tenure as host.
Personal Life & Later Career of Ananda Lewis
• After leaving television, she found her passion as a contractor, calling it "the only work I'll ever do in my life".
• During her summers, she worked intensively with 20 young people for three months, confirming her calling as an educator.
• She transitioned from entertainment to advocacy work, focusing on youth empowerment and social causes.
Health Struggle & Controversy around Ananda Lewis
• Ananda was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in October 2020 after avoiding mammograms for years due to radiation concerns.
• She controversially decided to "keep her tumor" and opted for homeopathic remedies instead of her doctor's recommended mastectomy.
• Her cancer later progressed to stage IV, and the tumor metastasized despite her alternative treatment approach.
Lesser Known Facts about Ananda Lewis
• She was known for her fearless interviewing style, once berating rapper Q-Tip during a Hot Zone episode.
• Ananda maintained close friendships with several celebrities including R&B singer Aaliyah throughout her career.
• Despite her television success, she always considered herself an educator at heart, inspired by her work with youth.