Jeniene Mapp-Testa, the children’s television host best known for her role on Saturday Disney in the ’90s, has died.
The media personality died last week after ongoing dialysis treatment.
Mapp-Testa was an original Saturday Disney host starting in 1990 alongside James Sherry and Sofie Formica.
She worked with Disney Australia for 14 years before launching Disney Channel in Australia, hosting Studio D and Playhouse Disney from 1997 to 2003.
Mapp-Testa has often documented her dialysis treatment on social media, with her latest Instagram post thanking the hospital staff for making her birthday “so special.”
Jeniene Mapp-Testa (pictured), 90s children’s TV host best known for her role on Saturday Disney, has died
TV host Shelley Craft shared a tribute to the star via social media on Sunday.
Craft took over hosting duties from Mapp-Testa on Saturday Disney in 1996.
“This week saw the passing of Jeniene Mapp Testa. One of the OG Disney hosts in Australia,” she captioned her post.
The media personality died last week after ongoing dialysis treatment
“An incredibly bright light and a young girl who gave it her all, entertaining the children every Saturday morning for many years. I did my best to step into Jeniene’s shoes during my first TV job Saturday at Disney, but I knew it was going to be a mammoth task.
Craft continued: “Jeniene has been so supportive and helped me navigate the world of Australian showbiz. Our paths have crossed over the past 20 years, it always felt like we were Disney family forever.
“My heart breaks for your family. Your larger-than-life personality, your ability to make everyone around you feel special, your incredible 1,000-watt smile.
“Rest in peace, beautiful lady,” she concluded.
Mapp-Testa was one of Saturday Disney’s original hosts starting in 1990, before stepping down in 1996 when Shelley Craft took on the role.
Mapp-Testa has often documented her dialysis treatment on social media, and her latest Instagram post saw her thank hospital staff for making her birthday “so special”.
Lisa Kakar (née Barry), another former Saturday Disney host, also shared a tribute.
“I said goodbye to you this week, I said everything I wanted to say… I hope you heard me,” she wrote on Instagram on Saturday.
“I hope you heard me say “Thank you for the friendship, memories and lessons you shared with me. I would have liked to see more of you. I hope you know how much you are loved and the impact your passing has had on so many… It’s not goodbye, it’s… until our souls reconnect again ‘.’
