What mascot did McDonald's introduce in 1963 as its leading character?

McDonald's introduced Ronald McDonald in 1963 as its leading character.

The character was created for children's marketing and first appeared in a television commercial in the Washington, D.C., area. Willard Scott played the original Ronald McDonald in that early advertising, using a costume assembled from McDonald's food packaging and restaurant items.

Ronald's design developed over time, but his red hair, yellow clothing, striped details, and bright makeup became strongly associated with the chain. He later appeared in restaurant promotions, television advertising, toys, and the wider McDonaldland campaign.

Speedee was an earlier McDonald's mascot, represented as a chef and linked to the restaurant's original speedy-service message. The Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese were introduced as other McDonaldland characters, so they are not the answer to this question.