Rob McElhenney’s credo has always been “make what you want to see.” It’s the advice the actor-writer-producer keeps coming back to in this inspiring interview, which spans Rob’s childhood in Philadelphia, the bit-by-bit process by which he became a TV creator and star, and the audition philosophy his fellow performers should keep in mind.

Best known as Mac on FXX’s long-running “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which he co-created and co-produces with Glenn Howerton, Rob was and still is inspired by the format of classic sitcoms. Alongside Charlie Day and Megan Ganz, he is now the co-creator, as well as writer-director-star, of AppleTV+’s comedy “Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet,” a workplace sitcom set in a video game studio. This episode is brought to you by AppleTV+.

Check out this year’s roundup of actors who are long overdue to win Emmy Awards: https://bit.ly/3iPls8G

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

- Producer: Jamie Muffett

- Social Media: Katie Minard

- Design: Mark Stinson and Caitlin Watkins

- Additional Support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Oriella St. Louis