What is the name of McDonald’s clown mascot, introduced nationally in the 1960s?

McDonald’s clown mascot, introduced nationally in the 1960s, is Ronald McDonald.

Ronald was created as a family-friendly character who could represent McDonald’s in television advertising, public appearances, and promotional events. His bright costume and clown appearance made him especially recognizable to children.

The character first appeared in a 1963 television commercial. Willard Scott, then a television personality and weather presenter, was the first person to portray Ronald McDonald in that campaign. The character’s design and performers changed over time, but the name remained consistent.

Ronald is often confused with Speedee, the earlier chef mascot, or with McDonaldland characters such as the Hamburglar and Grimace. Those figures belonged to the wider fictional world developed around the brand, while Ronald served as its principal humanlike mascot for many decades.