What 1960s McDonald's character was played by Willard Scott in early television commercials?

Ronald McDonald was played by Willard Scott in early McDonald's television commercials. Scott portrayed the clown in local Washington, D.C., advertising before the character became a national corporate mascot.

Scott was a television personality and weather presenter who appeared as Ronald in the early 1960s. His version helped establish the basic idea of a clown who introduced children to McDonald's food and restaurants, although the costume and presentation changed as the campaign developed.

Ronald McDonald should not be confused with the fictional McDonaldland characters introduced later. Characters such as Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese belonged to the wider advertising world built around Ronald.

The mascot became one of the company's most durable branding elements. McDonald's advertising later changed substantially by market and period, but Ronald remained internationally associated with the chain for decades.