Max Mutchnick

Max Mutchnick is best known as the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the hit NBC television sitcom "Will & Grace." Mutchnick grew up in Beverly Hills, graduated from Emerson College in Boston, spending time writing for various game shows before returning to Los Angeles to work in television.

In the early 1990s, he would write for "The Dennis Miller Show," a short-lived late night talk show, with his long-time creative partner David Kohan. Kohan and Mutchnick would subsequently form their own production company, KoMut Entertainment, making names for themselves as sitcom maestros with such series as "Good Morning, Miami," "Twins," and "Four Kings."

But Mutchnick's most beloved and successful production is undoubtedly "Will & Grace." Although the emphasis of the show was always light comedy, the sitcom helped make important strides in the industry by having openly gay male lead characters, and "Will & Grace" made it a bit easier for other shows to follow suit.

It should be noted, though, that the sitcom also generated plenty of controversy from many gay people for what they felt was its continued depiction of gay stereotypes. Mutchnick, along with Kohan, is also a writer and producer on the sitcom "$#*! My Dad Says," starring William Shatner.