Jeniene Mapp-Testa: Former Saturday Disney host dies

Gold Coast hospitality figure Lincoln Testa has paid tribute to his wife Jeniene after the former Saturday Disney host’s death at age 49.

Mr and Mrs Lincoln and Jeniene Testa and Their son Ben age 4 at the Isle of Capri home with Lincoln 's favourite things

Beloved former television star Jeniene Mapp-Testa has died.

The Gold Coaster was known to a generation of television viewers across Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the founding hosts of Saturday Disney.

She had been receiving treatment for a number of years after experiencing ­sudden kidney failure in 2021. She passed away on the weekend, aged 49.

Ms Mapp-Testa is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gold Coast hospitality figure Lincoln Testa, who runs popular cafe Madisons at Broadbeach, and their son Benjamin.

Jeniene Mapp-Testa with Mickey Mouse.

Mr Testa remembered his wife as “the best person” he had ever known.

“She always looked after other people, she made everyone laugh and she was as real as you could get,” he said. “She was the best person I have ever known.”

Tributes have also flowed from fellow television stars who worked with her during her career. Former Saturday Disney host Lisa Barry thanked her late friend in an Instagram post.

“I said goodbye to you this week, said all the things I wanted to say,” she wrote.

“I hope you heard me …. I hope you heard me say, ‘Thank you for the friendship, memories, and lessons you shared with me. I wish I had seen you more. I hope you know how loved you are and the impact your passing has had on so many. It’s not goodbye it’s … until our souls reconnect again’ … I Love You Dirtybag.

Lincoln and Jeniene with their son Ben

“When I look up at the sky at night I know you will be the brightest star shining.”

Ms Barry shared a video on social media showing she and her fellow Disney hosts in the 1990s.

Shelly Craft, who replace Ms Mapp-Testa on Saturday Disney, described her as an “incredible bright light and a young girl that gave her all”.

“I did my best to step in ­Jeniene’s shoes in my first TV job on Saturday Disney but I knew it was going to be a mammoth task,” she wrote.

“Jeniene supported me so kindly and helped me navigate the world of Aussie showbiz.

“Our paths have crossed over the last 20 odd years, we 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 1000 watt smile. Rest in Peace beautiful lady.”

Jeniene Mapp-Testa: 1974-2023

Ms Mapp-Testa was born in Brisbane on September 6, in 1974 and began her television career at age 14.

She hosted Saturday Disney from 1990 until 1996, when she became the face of the ­Disney Channel’s launch in Australia.

During her time on the channel she hosted Playhouse Disney and Studio D before wrapping up her television ­career in 2002.

“Disney likes you to be happy, nice and easygoing,” she told the Bulletin that year.

“And you have to enjoy working with kids – you can’t lie about that because kids see through it.

“You have to be genuine.”

The couple, who lived on the Isle of Capri, welcomed their son Benjamin in early 2004 and in the years afterwards she moved into a new career of cake designing.