40 Facts About Ananda Lewis

Early Life and Family Background

Ananda Lewis's journey began in San Diego, California, where she was born on March 21, 1973. Her early years were marked by significant family changes and personal challenges.

1. Ananda Lewis was born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California.
2. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, leading her mother to move with her daughters to San Diego to be near her own mother.
3. Lewis's mother took an extended trip to Europe to escape the pain of her failed marriage, leaving Ananda and her sister Lakshmi with their grandmother. This period of abandonment had a significant impact on Lewis's life.
4. Lewis struggled with a speech impediment, stuttering until she was eight years old. Despite this challenge, she earned a reputation for outspokenness in grade school.

Early Career and Education

Ananda's early career was shaped by her talent and determination. Her education and early experiences laid the foundation for her future success.

5. In 1981, Lewis entered herself in the Little Miss San Diego Contest, a beauty pageant, and won. During the talent portion of the competition, she performed a dance routine to Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney's ballad "Ebony and Ivory".
6. After her win, Lewis attracted the attention of a talent agent and began working in local theater productions and on television. She enrolled at the San Diego School of Creative and Performance Arts (SCPA) in fourth grade, where she remained for nine years.
7. At the age of thirteen, Lewis began volunteering as a tutor and counselor at a Head Start facility. This experience inspired her to become a teacher or psychologist, with the goal of helping young people.
8. Lewis majored in history at Howard University in Washington, D.C., from which she graduated cum laude in 1995. Her family urged her to follow a more lucrative career path, specifically law, but she chose to pursue her passion for the arts.

Rise to Fame with MTV

Ananda's career took a significant turn when she joined MTV, becoming a beloved veejay and a familiar face to many.

9. In the late 1990s, Lewis became an MTV veejay, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Hot Zone offered both music videos and Lewis's interviews of musicians and others. On one notable installment, she berated the rapper Q-Tip about the number of scantily clad dancers in one of his videos.
10. Bob Kusbit, MTV's senior vice president for production, praised Lewis's broadcasting savvy, stating, "In the past our talent was sometimes just pretty people who could read cue cards. But when we brought Ananda to MTV, we decided we were going to do a lot more live television".
11. During her time at MTV, Lewis became a familiar presence at celebrity-attended events in and around New York City. She was often referred to as the "hip-hop generation's reigning 'It Girl'" due to her looks and attitudes.
12. People included Lewis on its list of the world's "50 Most Beautiful People" during her peak at MTV.

The Ananda Lewis Show

After leaving MTV, Ananda embarked on a new venture with her own talk show, aiming to address important issues.

13. In 2001, Lewis decided to leave MTV to start her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which debuted on September 10, 2001. The show was syndicated by King World Productions and targeted women between the ages of eighteen and thirty-four by addressing issues like domestic violence and breast cancer.
14. The Ananda Lewis Show was billed as an alternative to the sensationalism and provocative offerings of Jerry Springer and Ricki Lake. The show aired on some WB and NBC stations before being canceled after one season.
15. After leaving MTV, Lewis continued to do special presentations for the network. She also became a correspondent for The Insider from 2004 to 2005.

Diverse Career Pursuits

Ananda's career has been marked by versatility, including a surprising turn towards carpentry.

16. In addition to her television career, Lewis has also pursued carpentry. She has worked on various projects, showcasing her versatility and dedication to multiple fields.
17. In 2019, Lewis hosted the revival of While You Were Out on TLC, further demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in different television formats.

Personal Health Journey

Ananda's battle with breast cancer has been a significant part of her life, shaping her perspective and advocacy.

18. On October 1, 2020, Lewis announced to her Instagram followers that she had been battling stage III breast cancer for the last two years. She discovered a lump during a self-exam and a biopsy in early January 2019 confirmed the diagnosis.
19. Lewis initially avoided getting mammograms for fear of radiation exposure. Her mother, who faithfully had mammograms for 30 years, still ended up with a breast cancer diagnosis, which influenced Lewis's decision.
20. The breast cancer had spread into her lymph nodes, making it stage III. Lewis's lymph system flared up, leading to a significant health crisis.
21. Despite her doctors' recommendations, Lewis pursued homeopathic remedies alongside conventional treatment. She believed in her body's ability to heal itself and wanted to maximize its potential through natural methods.
22. Lewis prioritized her quality of life, choosing not to undergo a double mastectomy. She wanted to be here and thrive, even if it meant taking a different approach to treatment.
23. Lewis's announcement about her cancer diagnosis was met with a mix of reactions from friends and family. She felt shame and embarrassment but ultimately wanted to help other women by sharing her experience.
24. Through her journey with breast cancer, Lewis has become an ardent champion of women getting mammograms. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages others to prioritize their health.
25. In a round-table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and CNN anchor Sara Sidner, who was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer early that year, Lewis shared her experiences and reflections on her treatment choices.
26. Unfortunately, Lewis's cancer had metastasized, and she was now diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. This diagnosis marked a significant turning point in her health journey.
27. Lewis reflected on her decision not to pursue a double mastectomy, saying, "My quality of life was very important to me … I want to want to be here. So I had to do it a certain way, for me." This reflection highlights her commitment to living life on her own terms despite the challenges she faced.
28. Sara Sidner, who underwent a double mastectomy in May, shared that her cancer diagnosis made her realize the importance of living life fully and thriving in a way she never had before. This contrast between Lewis's approach and Sidner's underscores the diversity of responses to cancer diagnoses.
29. Stephanie Elam expressed gratitude for the conversation with Lewis, emphasizing that if one woman could get her mammogram because of their discussion, that would be success. This highlights the impact of open conversations about health issues.
30. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Lewis absorbed irreplaceable knowledge on health that she is determined to share with other women. This commitment to education and awareness is a testament to her resilience and dedication to helping others.
31. Lewis has emphasized the importance of self-care practices such as better sleep and diet in her treatment journey. She believes in honoring her body's intelligence and potential for healing.
32. Despite the challenges she faced, Lewis has maintained a strong sense of community support. Her openness about her diagnosis has inspired many women to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when necessary.
33. The experience of battling breast cancer has been transformative for Lewis. She has spoken about finding joy in life despite the difficulties she encountered, reflecting on how her diagnosis made her realize what truly mattered.
34. Lewis's family has been a significant source of support throughout her journey. Her sister, a physician, and cousins who are doctors have been instrumental in helping her navigate the complexities of cancer treatment.

Legacy and Impact

Ananda Lewis's legacy extends beyond her television career. Her impact on social activism and health awareness is profound.

35. Lewis has won two NAACP Image Awards for her work in television, recognizing her contributions to the industry and her impact on audiences.
36. Lewis gave a platform to Black teenagers in the 1990s on BET’s wildly popular show Teen Summit. This experience helped shape her career and provided a valuable opportunity to connect with young people.
37. Beyond her television career, Lewis is known for her social activism. She has been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting health awareness.
38. The diagnosis of breast cancer had a profound impact on Lewis's life. It made her realize the importance of living each day fully and not taking her health for granted.
39. Despite the progression of her cancer to stage IV, Lewis remains resilient and determined. Her commitment to living life on her own terms is a testament to her strength and character.
40. Ananda Lewis's legacy extends beyond her television career. She has inspired countless women to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when necessary. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and a chance for personal growth and transformation.

Ananda Lewis: A Life of Impact and Resilience

Ananda Lewis has worn many hats—television host, carpenter, model, and social activist. Her journey from a young girl with a speech impediment to a celebrated MTV veejay and talk show host is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with stage IV breast cancer, Lewis remains a beacon of strength and determination. Her advocacy for early detection and health awareness has touched countless lives. Through her work on shows like Total Request Live and The Ananda Lewis Show, she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Beyond the screen, her commitment to social causes and community support showcases her multifaceted nature. Ananda Lewis's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of living life on one's own terms.