What character did McDonald’s introduce in 1963 as its best-known mascot?

McDonald’s introduced Ronald McDonald in 1963 as its best-known mascot.

The character was created for children’s marketing and appeared as a clown associated with the McDonald’s restaurant world. Television advertising helped establish Ronald as a recognizable figure, and later campaigns placed him alongside characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese.

The first Ronald McDonald performer was Willard Scott, who had already played a clown character on television. McDonald’s later used other performers as the character’s public profile expanded. Ronald’s costume and appearance changed over time, but the red-and-yellow color scheme reinforced the company’s existing visual identity.

Ronald is sometimes confused with Speedee, McDonald’s earlier mascot. Speedee represented fast service and was used from 1948, while Ronald represented a more family-oriented phase of McDonald’s branding. The Hamburglar and Grimace were supporting characters, not replacements for Ronald.