What character became McDonald’s official mascot in 1963?

Ronald McDonald became McDonald’s official mascot in 1963.

The character was created to appeal especially to children and appeared in early television advertising wearing a clown costume. The first Ronald was played by Willard Scott, who had already portrayed a clown character on local television in Washington, D.C.

Ronald’s design changed over time, but the basic concept remained a friendly clown associated with McDonald’s restaurants and children’s promotions. He later became the central figure in McDonaldland, a fictional setting populated by other branded characters.

Ronald is sometimes confused with Speedee, the chef mascot used in the company’s earlier period. Speedee represented fast service, while Ronald represented the family-oriented identity McDonald’s developed during its major expansion.