Born in Chicago and raised in Highland Park, IL, Rappaport graduated from Indiana University. At IU, he began a career in show business by hosting music and variety programs on the IMU radio show, WFIU, and other broadcasting venues. Eventually he moved to Hollywood and became a writer on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. His other writing credits include episodes of All in the Family, The Odd Couple, Maude, The Bob Newhart Show, and, most prominently, M*A*S*H. Additionally, on M*A*S*H, Rappaport served as producer (1979-1981) and supervising producer (1981-1983); and he co-wrote the series' final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen." He has earned eight Emmy nominations and four People's Choice awards, as well as residency in the National Association of Broadcasters and Producers Guild of America Halls of Fame