McDonald's introduced Ronald McDonald in a television advertisement in 1963.
The character first appeared in a Washington, D.C., area commercial made for a local McDonald's franchise. Television personality Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in that early advertisement, helping establish the clown as a recognizable spokesman for the growing restaurant chain.
Ronald's appearance changed over time. The first version was less standardized than the familiar later design and included a tray-like hat, a paper cup nose, and a food-themed costume. McDonald's subsequently refined the character's look for national advertising and merchandising.
This date is sometimes confused with 1971, when the wider McDonaldland advertising setting and several of its supporting characters became prominent. Ronald himself predates that fictional world by several years.