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Ananda Lewis, a familiar face from MTV’s heyday, has faced a significant health scare and is determined to overcome it. She was diagnosed with cancer and initially given a prognosis of only two to three years to live. Ananda Lewis, originally from Los Angeles and raised between the City of Angels and San Diego, initially gained recognition after appearing in Shai’s “Baby I’m Yours” music video. She went on to establish herself as a television host and personality.
Her career began with hosting BET’s Teen Summit and eventually progressed to MTV, where she became a VJ. Her hosting roles included Total Request Live, The Hot Zone, and more. Known for her skill in conducting interviews that pushed the boundaries, Ananda inspired MTV to provide their VJs with a more significant platform.
In 1999, MTV expressed that their talent at the time mainly consisted of attractive individuals who could read cue cards, but Ananda’s arrival led to a shift towards more live television. She became the network’s face for a period until the decline of TRL. Ananda also had her talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show,” akin to Oprah Winfrey’s format. Despite its potential, the show faced challenges, including its debut being overshadowed by the World Trade Center bombings. It was eventually canceled after one season.
More recently, Ananda Lewis reemerged as part of TLC’s “While You Were Out” in 2019. In October 2020, she revealed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and her nearly two-year battle with the disease at that time. She appeared on “Tamron Hall” to discuss her health challenges, and Tamron Hall praised her for inspiring her nearly two decades ago. Ananda Lewis felt a sense of responsibility to share her diagnosis with her followers, hoping to prepare those who might face similar cancer battles. Having watched her mother’s cancer battle, Ananda felt that it helped her anticipate the challenges she would encounter.
Ananda emphasized that although doctors initially gave her a prognosis of three years to live, she is now in her fourth year post-diagnosis and thriving. She firmly believes that no doctor should determine how long she has to live. Her health journey has turned her into a health enthusiast, and she has recently undergone significant weight loss while adopting a healthier lifestyle. Her cancer diagnosis served as a catalyst for her weight loss journey, as she was overweight before her diagnosis.
