What McDonald's character became the chain's primary mascot after his 1963 introduction?

Ronald McDonald became McDonald's primary mascot after his 1963 introduction.

McDonald's introduced Ronald McDonald in 1963 as a clown character created for children's advertising. Actor Willard Scott portrayed the character in early television commercials in the Washington, D.C., area. Ronald's costume used recognizable restaurant imagery, including a tray-like hat and a striped outfit.

The character later became the central figure in a larger fictional setting known as McDonaldland. Other characters, including the Hamburglar, Grimace, Mayor McCheese, and Birdie, joined the advertising world and helped give McDonald's a distinctive family-oriented identity.

Ronald McDonald should not be confused with the Hamburglar or other McDonaldland figures. The character's role was that of the principal mascot, while the others were supporting advertising characters. The campaign's style and use have changed over time, but Ronald remains one of the brand's best-known historical symbols.