McDonald's introduced the first version of Ronald McDonald in 1963.
The early Ronald appeared in a local Washington, D.C., television commercial before the character became a national advertising figure. Willard Scott played the role, wearing a costume assembled from McDonald's packaging and products, including a tray-like hat.
Later versions gave Ronald a more standardized appearance and placed him at the center of McDonaldland. The year 1967 is often connected with the wider development of McDonaldland, which can make the dates seem interchangeable. Ronald's initial television appearance, however, is dated to 1963.