10/12/2026
Ananda Lewis was the “it girl” who never needed to perform for the camera. 🕊️
Rest in peace, Ananda Lewis (1973-2025)
She was a TV host, activist, model, and later a carpenter, and she was one of the voices that shaped a generation. She inspired countless young people with her honesty and authenticity.
Howard roots: She graduated cm laude from Howard University in 1995 with a degree in history. In 1993, she appeared in Shai’s “Baby, I’m Yours” video, filmed on campus with fellow HU alumni.
Early life: Born March 21, 1973, in Los Angeles and raised in San Diego, she had a passion for helping young people from the start. She attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performance Arts before heading to Howard.
BET: She hosted Teen Summit in the 90s, tackling serious issues affecting teens for an audience of millions. Leaving it was one of the hardest decisions of her career.
MTV: The network then brought her on as a host and VJ for MTV Live, Total Request Live, Hot Zone, and MTV Jams.
Her own platform: In 2001, she left MTV to launch The Ananda Lewis Show, which debuted on September 10, 2001, and ended after one season. She later served as chief correspondent for The Insider from 2004 to 2005, and eventually became a carpenter.
On June 11, 2025, she passed away at 52 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Thank you for everything, Ananda. Rest peacefully. 🤍
