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

McDonald’s introduced its Ronald McDonald mascot in 1963.

The character first appeared in a television commercial in the Washington, D.C., area. Early Ronald McDonald advertising used a costume assembled from familiar McDonald’s imagery, including a tray-like hat and a cup-shaped nose. The character was portrayed as a friendly clown who represented the restaurant brand to children.

Ronald later became the central figure in McDonaldland, a fictional world populated by other McDonald’s characters. His design changed over time, especially in costume details and visual style. Although Ronald McDonald became less prominent in U.S. advertising during the 2010s, he remains one of the best-known mascots in fast-food branding history.