Remembering Ananda Lewis: Her Final Message and Legacy
The Tragic Tale of Ananda Lewis: A Life Cut Short by Cancer
In a devastating turn of events, former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis has passed away at the age of 52 after a courageous seven-year battle with breast cancer. The news of her untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, leaving fans and friends in mourning.
Ananda's best friend and CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam paid tribute to her dear friend by sharing a poignant excerpt from their final text exchange. In a heart-wrenching revelation, Ananda wrote: "You know my feelings on this. We all go. The bodies are on loan and must be returned. We come in love and choose to leave it with love as well." Stephanie tearfully added that the message concluded with an affectionate declaration: "I love you my wonderful lifelong bestie of besties."
The news of Ananda's passing comes just days after her 14-year-old son Langston graduated from middle school, a momentous occasion that was tinged with sadness. Her sister Lakshmi Emory shared the heartbreaking details on Facebook, writing: "She's free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul [prayer emoji]"
Ananda's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. Diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2020, she chose to forgo conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, opting instead for holistic remedies. Her decision sparked an intense debate on social media, with some praising her bravery while others questioned her choice.
In a candid interview with CNN's Stephanie Elam, Ananda explained her thought process: "My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made." However, when her cancer metastasized and advanced to stage IV, she confessed: "Looking back on that, I go, 'You know what? Maybe I should have'."
Ananda's friends and family members have shared their own tributes to the beloved TV personality. Her sister Lakshmi revealed that a memorial service will be held in the coming weeks, with plans for celebrities who interviewed Ananda during her career to pay their respects.
The outpouring of support from fans and fellow industry professionals has been overwhelming, with many expressing admiration for Ananda's courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite her untimely passing, Ananda Lewis will be remembered as a trailblazer, a devoted mother, and an inspiration to countless young women who followed her career.
As we reflect on Ananda's life and legacy, it's clear that she lived each day with purpose and passion. From her early days as a host of BET's Teen Summit to her rise as a fixture on MTV, Ananda left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her passing serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment and to live life to the fullest.
A Life Cut Short: The Tragic Tale of Ananda Lewis
Ananda was born in Los Angeles in 1973, but her childhood was marked by turmoil when her parents divorced when she was just two years old. Raised by her mother and grandmother in San Diego, California, Ananda found solace in the arts, attending an esteemed high school for the performing arts.
Her talents were soon recognized by MTV, where she quickly became a fan favorite as a host of Total Request Live, Hot Zone, and Spring Break. In 2001, Ananda took a significant career leap, leaving MTV to become the host of her own daytime talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show. Though the program was short-lived, lasting only one season, it marked an important milestone in Ananda's journey.
In a candid interview with Shondaland.com, Ananda reflected on her decision to leave MTV: "I wish I had stopped the people that wanted me to do the show and said, 'Not yet, it's a little too early to do this,'" she confessed. "It was overkill for me. It wasn't what I felt like I signed up for."
Ananda's career trajectory took her to various corners of the entertainment industry, including stints as a correspondent for The Insider from 2004 to 2005 and her work on TLC's revival of While You Were Out in 2019. Her decision to pursue carpentry was a testament to her resourcefulness and determination.
Ananda Lewis will be remembered not only for her captivating presence on screen but also for her unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms. Despite the challenges she faced, Ananda's courage and resilience inspired countless individuals, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Sources:
- TheScholarlyNote.com