Born in Wilmette, IL, Rich Appel is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He worked as a federal prosecutor in New York before joining the writing staff of THE SIMPSONS, on which he eventually rose through the ranks to co-executive producer.

He served in the same capacity on “The Bernie Mac Show,” and was an executive-producer of “King of the Hill,” “American Dad!” and “A.U.S.A.,” which he created. Appel also was the co-creator and executive producer of “The Cleveland Show.” He has received three Emmy Awards. He's served as executive producer/showrunner on FAMILY GUY since 2012.