Ananda Lewis, a trailblazing figure in television and pop culture, passed away on June 11 at the age of 52 after a battle with breast cancer. Known for her influential presence as an MTV video jockey and host of BET’s Teen Summit, Lewis made a lasting impact on a generation of viewers.
Her death was announced by close friends, including CNN anchor Sara Sidner and correspondent Stephanie Elam, who both remembered her with deep emotion and personal reflections. Sidner tearfully opened up about Lewis’ passing during a CNN broadcast, calling it a story she never wanted to tell.
Stephanie Elam Recalls Final Moments With Ananda Lewis and Lifelong Bond They Shared
Stephanie Elam, a longtime friend of Lewis, recounted the emotional final hours she spent with her. Elam had just come off an overnight reporting shift covering protests in Los Angeles, but still made the time to visit Lewis. She referred to her as her “ride or die” and said she had intended to visit again the following day.
However, she later received a message from Lewis’ sister informing her that Ananda had passed before she could return. Despite the grief, Elam shared that Lewis was at peace with her decision to stop aggressive treatment and had accepted her fate with grace.
Ananda Lewis Dies at 52, Remembered as a Media Trailblazer and Voice of Strength Amid Cancer BattleAnanda Lewis’ career began after graduating from Howard University, a historically Black institution where she first met Elam. She rose to prominence on BET’s Teen Summit and later became one of MTV’s standout video jockeys during the late ’90s. She hosted popular shows such as Total Request Live and Hot Zone, breaking barriers as a young Black woman in mainstream media. In 2001, she launched The Ananda Lewis Show, a syndicated talk show that showcased her charisma and commitment to social issues.
Shared Battles and Healing Through Two Friends’ Brave Journeys With Breast Cancer
CNN anchor Sara Sidner, who had formed a bond with Lewis through their shared cancer journeys, publicly revealed her own stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis last year. In an emotional segment on CNN, Sidner admitted that the diagnosis came as a shock, given her healthy lifestyle and no family history of the disease.
Her openness about the experience, coupled with Lewis’ own holistic approach to cancer, brought visibility and vulnerability to their battles, helping viewers understand the complexity and unpredictability of breast cancer.
In a deeply personal interview aired last October, Lewis shared how her diagnosis had transformed her outlook on life. She revealed that it prompted life changes she had long resisted but ultimately needed. Lewis emphasized that these shifts led her to experience more joy despite her circumstances.
Her words served as a testament to her strength and wisdom. As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans, Ananda Lewis is remembered not only as a media icon but also as a powerful voice who inspired others through both her professional achievements and personal resilience.