What name did McDonald’s use for its company mascot introduced in 1963?

McDonald’s used the name Ronald McDonald for its company mascot introduced in 1963.

The character first appeared in a television commercial in the Washington, D.C., area. Willard Scott played the original Ronald McDonald, who was presented as a clown associated with the restaurant and its child-focused advertising.

Ronald quickly became the central human-like figure in McDonald’s promotional world. His costume incorporated recognizable restaurant imagery, including a striped outfit and a tray-like hat in the original presentation. Later performers and costume designs changed the character’s appearance, but the name remained consistent.

Ronald McDonald should not be confused with the earlier Speedee character or with McDonaldland figures such as Mayor McCheese and the Hamburglar. Those characters occupied different roles in the brand’s advertising history. Ronald’s importance was his direct association with the McDonald’s name, which helped make him the company’s most prominent character for decades.