NEW YORK, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- "Everybody Loves Raymond" creator Phil Rosenthal has confessed his own real life experiences were the foundation for the popular U.S. comedy TV series.
In his recently released memoir, "You're Lucky You're Funny: How Life Becomes a Sitcom," Rosenthal details how he used his own life experiences to drive "Raymond" during its successful run from 1996 to 2005, CBS reported.
Rosenthal also said when his own life failed to inspire, the series used the lives of series star Ray Romano and the show's writers for added inspiration.
"I guess," Rosenthal said, "I had these terrible things happen to me and I thought, 'You could either be depressed or make something out of it.'"
During its TV run, Rosenthal and his fellow writers helped drive "Raymond" towards winning 15 Emmy Awards.
CBS said that Rosenthal credits director Carl Reiner for teaching him the constructive technique and in his memoir recommends to aspiring comedians to do the same.
