McDonald's introduced its first widely recognized Ronald McDonald television commercial in 1963.
The commercial helped establish Ronald as the chain's dedicated child-oriented mascot. Before Ronald became a national advertising figure, McDonald's branding relied on restaurant architecture, product names, and characters such as Speedee. The new clown character gave the company a more direct way to speak to children and families.
Willard Scott portrayed Ronald McDonald in the early commercial. Scott later became widely known as a television weather presenter, but his earlier advertising work made him part of McDonald's mascot history.
People sometimes confuse Ronald's first television appearance with the later expansion of McDonaldland. The character appeared in advertising before the full fictional setting and its larger cast became established. Ronald's design and portrayal also changed over time, so early commercials do not look identical to later campaign material.