McDonald's officially introduced Ronald McDonald as its mascot in 1963.
The character had appeared in local Washington, D.C., television advertising in 1963 before becoming a national symbol. Actor and television personality Willard Scott was the first person to portray Ronald McDonald in those early commercials.
Ronald's appearance was designed to be instantly recognizable to children, with a clown costume incorporating McDonald's colors and food imagery. His introduction marked a major change from Speedee, the earlier mascot associated with quick service. Ronald McDonald later became the central figure in McDonaldland, where he appeared alongside the Hamburglar, Grimace, and other characters.