The McDonaldland character Grimace was introduced in 1971.
Grimace first appeared as part of McDonald’s expanding cast of fictional advertising characters. His early design and role differed from the friendly purple character most people recognize today. McDonald’s subsequently simplified and softened the character, making him a more approachable companion for Ronald McDonald and a more suitable figure for family-focused advertising.
The date is associated with Grimace’s introduction, not with every later redesign or marketing appearance. McDonaldland characters often changed in appearance and personality as McDonald’s advertising strategy evolved. Grimace’s enduring purple design eventually made him one of the best-known members of the group, alongside Ronald McDonald and the Hamburglar.