What character became McDonald’s main advertising mascot after Speedee?

Ronald McDonald became McDonald’s main advertising mascot after Speedee.

The character was introduced in the 1960s as a clown associated with McDonald’s restaurants. Willard Scott played an early television version of Ronald McDonald, helping establish the character for American audiences. Ronald’s colorful appearance and playful personality made him especially useful for family-oriented advertising.

Ronald later became the central figure in McDonaldland, a fictional setting populated by characters connected to McDonald’s products and restaurant themes. The campaign gave the company a larger cast of recognizable figures, but Ronald remained its principal mascot.

Speedee represented the company’s earlier “Speedee Service” identity, so the change marked a shift in emphasis. McDonald’s increasingly presented itself not only as a fast restaurant but also as a family destination. Ronald is sometimes confused with the Hamburglar or Grimace, who were supporting McDonaldland characters rather than the primary mascot.