Grimace first appeared in McDonald's advertising in 1971.
The character was originally presented as a large, purple figure with multiple arms who could take customers' drinks. McDonald's later simplified the design and repositioned Grimace as a friendly, childlike companion in the McDonaldland cast.
That change illustrates how branding characters can evolve. Grimace's later appearance was less visually complicated and more suitable for television, packaging, restaurant displays, and licensed products. The character became associated with friendship and a playful family atmosphere rather than with a specific product theft gag.
Grimace is sometimes confused with the Hamburglar because both were introduced as McDonaldland characters. Their roles differed: the Hamburglar was a mischievous character associated with hamburgers, while Grimace became a softer, more amiable figure. The 1971 debut places Grimace among the early-1970s additions to McDonald's character branding.