Willard Scott first portrayed Ronald McDonald in a 1963 television advertisement for McDonald’s.
Scott was a Washington, D.C., television personality and weatherman who appeared as the early version of the clown mascot. His costume used familiar McDonald’s packaging, including a cup and food containers, as parts of the character’s clothing. The advertisement helped introduce Ronald as a friendly figure aimed primarily at children and families.
The character’s appearance changed after this first portrayal. Later performers used a more standardized costume and design, and Ronald became the central figure of the McDonaldland advertising world. Because many actors eventually played him, the role is often mistakenly associated with one of the later performers rather than Scott.
Ronald McDonald became one of the company’s best-known branded characters during the 1960s and 1970s. His image appeared in commercials, restaurant appearances, toys, and charity-related activities, although the character’s prominence varied across countries and later decades.