McDonald's gave its red-haired clown mascot the name Ronald McDonald when he was introduced nationally in 1963.
Ronald first appeared in a Washington, D.C.-area television commercial in 1963. The early portrayal was connected with Willard Scott, who had played a clown character called Bozo on local television. McDonald's then developed Ronald into its own national mascot and made him the central figure of its family-oriented advertising.
His costume used the brand's visual language, including red and yellow, while his clown persona made the restaurant recognizable to children. Ronald later became the leading face of McDonaldland, even though other characters represented particular menu items or roles within that fictional world.
Ronald McDonald is distinct from Speedee, the earlier mascot used in McDonald's early branding. Speedee represented quick service; Ronald represented the later family and entertainment-focused identity.