Ananda Lewis's Final Message: A Heartfelt Warning About Health and Cancer
The Unfortunate Demise of Ananda Lewis: A Shining Star Fades Away
In a devastating turn of events, the world has lost another shining star, Ananda Lewis, who bid adieu to this mortal coil after a grueling seven-year battle with cancer. The former MTV VJ, who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, took her last breath on Wednesday, June 11, at her Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones.
The news of her passing was met with shock and sadness from fans and colleagues alike, who couldn't help but remember her vibrant personality and infectious charm. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, paid tribute to Ananda in a heartfelt Facebook post, sharing a poignant black-and-white portrait of the late TV personality.
"Rest her soul," Lakshmi wrote, as she announced that a memorial service would be held in the coming weeks. The ceremony promises to be an emotional and star-studded affair, with celebrities who had previously interviewed Ananda expressing their desire to pay tribute to the beloved host.
A Life of Regrets: Ananda's Final Warning
In one of her last Instagram posts, dated February this year, Ananda reflected on her life, revealing a candid side that few knew existed. She spoke about her regrets and the lessons she had learned along the way, cautioning her fans to prioritize their health above all else.
"Is your body healthy? I mean, relatively speaking?" she asked, before offering sage advice: "Consider it like a winning lotto ticket." Ananda emphasized that despite her cancer diagnosis, she refused to give in to despair. "Part of it is because I refuse to give it anymore energy than it's already taking from my life," she explained.
The Essence magazine interview, which she referenced in the post, offered a poignant glimpse into her journey with breast cancer. Ananda shared that only 5-10% of cancers have genetic links, leaving 90% as environmentally or lifestyle-influenced – some of which can be controlled by our daily choices.
A Career Cut Short
Ananda's career was marked by milestones and setbacks. As a fixture on MTV in the late 1990s, she hosted hits like Total Request Live, Hot Zone, and Spring Break. Her charisma and charm quickly made her a fan favorite, and she earned two NAACP Image Awards during her tenure.
In 2001, Ananda took a bold step by leaving MTV to host her own daytime talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which unfortunately ran for only one season. She later served as a correspondent for The Insider from 2004 to 2005 and even dabbled in carpentry before hosting the TLC revival of While You Were Out in 2019.
A Life of Triumphs and Tribulations
Born on March 21, 1973, in Los Angeles, Ananda's life was marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Her parents' divorce when she was just two years old led to her being raised by her mother and grandmother in San Diego, California. She attended an arts high school before studying at historic Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in 1995.
Ananda's early days as a host of BET's youth talk-show Teen Summit in Washington D.C. saw her interview none other than then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. Her rise to fame was swift and meteoric, with appearances on MTV and interviews with A-list celebrities like Britney Spears and Beyoncé.
A Final Tribute
In her final Instagram post on March 7, Ananda paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary R&B hitmaker Roberta Flack, who passed away on February 24 at age 88. "Rest in Power," she wrote, along with a heart emoji. The post serves as a poignant reminder of the impact Ananda had on her fans and the music world.
As we bid farewell to this vibrant soul, let us remember Ananda's final words: "Prevention is the cure, because preserving your health is way easier than fighting to get it back." May her legacy inspire us to prioritize our well-being and live life to the fullest.