What is the name of McDonald’s clown mascot, first introduced in 1963?

Ronald McDonald is McDonald’s clown mascot, first introduced in 1963.

The character was created to give McDonald’s a memorable personality for children and families. Television advertising helped establish Ronald as a central figure in the company’s growing brand identity during the 1960s.

Willard Scott played the earliest televised version of Ronald McDonald. The character’s later appearance became more standardized, including a bright costume, red hair, and clown makeup. Ronald was eventually placed within the larger McDonaldland setting alongside other fictional characters.

Ronald is not the same as Speedee, McDonald’s earlier mascot from 1948. Speedee represented fast service, while Ronald became the chain’s most prominent family-oriented advertising character.