Fans were heartbroken to learn about the passing of former MTV VJ and talk show host Ananda Lewis, who was a beloved presence on TV in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Following her death, many have been curious about her personal life including her connection to actor Will Smith.
Was Ananda Lewis related to Will Smith?
Not by blood or marriage, but there is a family link. Ananda had a son, Langston, with Will Smith’s younger brother, Harry Smith.
Although she and Harry were never married, that makes Will the uncle of her son. So while they weren’t officially related, there is a family connection through her child.
How did Ananda Lewis die?
Ananda passed away on Wednesday, June 11, at the age of 52 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi, shared the sad news on Facebook, writing, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”
Ananda first revealed her stage III breast cancer diagnosis publicly in October 2020 via Instagram. At the time, she shared that she had avoided regular mammograms for years out of fear of radiation—a decision she later regretted.
Over the last five years, she was open about her cancer journey, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to get screened.
Ananda first rose to fame in 1995 as the host of BET’s Teen Summit, and went on to become one of MTV’s most recognizable faces from 1997 until 2001.
Her charisma, intelligence, and authenticity left a lasting impression on a generation of viewers.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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