Roy Disney dies at 79

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Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney, has died.

Disney, who had been fighting cancer, died this morning, according to a spokesman for his company Shamrock Holdings.

Although he spent much of his life in the background working for his uncle and his father Roy O. Disney, in his later years he emerged as a major force in keeping the Disney traditions alive. He was instrumental in the hiring of Michael Eisner, who revitalized the company in the 1980s, and in leading a revolt against Eisner earlier this decade that led to his resignation.

For more on the life of Roy E. Disney, please see our coverage here.