What was McDonald’s first mascot used in television advertising in 1963?

Ronald McDonald was McDonald’s first major mascot used in television advertising in 1963.

The character was created to give McDonald’s a memorable presence in children’s television marketing. The earliest version was played by Willard Scott, who had already appeared as a local television personality and weather presenter. Ronald’s costume included a red-and-yellow design and food-related accessories that emphasized the restaurant brand.

Ronald later became the central figure of the fictional McDonaldland setting, alongside characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese. Those characters belonged to a later, broader brand world rather than being the first mascot.

A frequent error is naming the Hamburglar or Grimace because they are strongly associated with McDonaldland. Ronald McDonald predates those supporting characters in the company’s television branding.