McDonald's introduced Ronald McDonald as a restaurant mascot in 1963.
The character was created for McDonald's advertising aimed especially at children. Early appearances presented Ronald as a clown associated with the restaurant's food and family-friendly atmosphere, helping the chain build a recognizable personality beyond its buildings and menu.
Television performer Willard Scott was the first person to portray Ronald McDonald in a McDonald's commercial. Scott had already gained attention as a television personality, and his portrayal helped establish the character during the mascot's earliest advertising period.
Ronald McDonald did not replace the Golden Arches as the company's main corporate symbol. Instead, he served as a character ambassador, while the arches continued to identify the restaurants and the wider brand.