Ananda Lewis, born on March 21, 1973, is an American television host, carpenter, former model, and social activist. Her early career began as a MTV veejay from the late 1990s until 2001, when she left to host her own broadcast syndicated television talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.
Before her time at MTV, Lewis was featured in the hit R&B video "Baby, I'm Yours" by Shai in 1993, while a student at Howard University. She portrayed the love interest of vocalist Carl "Groove" Martin.
Lewis's first major television role was as a host and correspondent for BET's Teen Summit, where she discussed serious issues affecting teenagers for three seasons. Her work on the show earned her an Image Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
In 1999, MTV offered her a position as a program host and video jockey, which she accepted. She hosted and VJed various shows, including Total Request Live and Hot Zone, as well as topical programs such as MTV forums on violence in schools and memorial tributes for the singer Aaliyah. Her hosting of the MTV special True Life: I Am Driving While Black earned her another NAACP Image Award in 2001.
In 2000, People magazine included Lewis on its list of the world's "50 Most Beautiful People". In 2001, she decided to leave MTV to start her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, which was canceled after one season.
In 2004, Lewis became the chief correspondent on celebrity subjects for the nationally syndicated, nightly entertainment program The Insider. She also appeared on the ABC network's reality show Celebrity Mole: Yucatán and made guest appearances on several sitcoms.
As an animal lover, Lewis has served as co-host of the A&E's show America's Top Dog and as a spokesperson for the Humane Society.
