Ronald McDonald was the central figure of McDonaldland, McDonald's advertising world of colorful characters.
The company introduced Ronald in the 1960s as a child-friendly mascot who could connect the restaurant with imagination, play, and family outings. McDonaldland commercials then expanded the setting with characters including the Hamburglar, Grimace, Birdie, and Mayor McCheese.
Ronald's bright clothing, red hair, and face paint made him easy to recognize in television advertising, restaurant appearances, and promotional materials. His role was broader than that of the other characters: he represented the McDonald's brand itself, while many supporting characters represented particular comic roles or food-related themes.
The character's exact costume and presentation changed over time. That can create confusion with early performers and earlier mascots, but the enduring brand character is Ronald McDonald. Speedee belonged to the company's earlier visual identity and was replaced as the primary mascot during the 1960s.