Writer/producer Cherry Cheva and writer/actress Alex Borstein visited the Ann Arbor District Library Monday to discuss their work on the hit television show “Family Guy.”Borstein and Cheva, who is originally from Ann Arbor, have the distinction of being the only two female writers for the show. And although Borstein no longer writes, she feels she “passed the baton” to Cheva.The event opened with a video clip of an upcoming episode, which brought laughs from the crowd of roughly 100 who turned out for the event. The ladies then answered questions relating to their writing, accomplishments and inspiration.Borstein, who was praised for multiple MADtv characters including the Gap Troll and Ms. Swan, explained to the audience that she draws character inspiration from people in her life.
“Ms. Swan is based on my grandmother,” said Borstein. “I can’t even say ‘based,’ it’s a direct rip-off of grandmother. Everything my grandmother has ever said…inspiration for me, it’s always family. Lois’ voice is actually based on a cousin of mine from New York; she’d probably die if she knew that.”Borstein also praised the writers of “Family Guy” and “MADtv,” saying that most writers don’t get the praise they should.A lot of the writers don’t get their due on anything,” said Borstein. “People always assume the actors are making everything up.