What was Ronald McDonald’s first name before he became the chain’s national mascot?

Ronald McDonald’s first name in his earliest television appearances was Donald McDonald.

The character was created for a 1963 local television advertising campaign in Washington, D.C. He was played initially by Willard Scott, who wore a costume assembled from recognizable McDonald’s items, including a cup-shaped hat and a tray-like belt.

The character was first called Donald McDonald before the name Ronald McDonald became standard. His identity later developed into the red-haired clown familiar from national advertising, restaurant promotions, and children’s events.

This early name is often overlooked because “Ronald McDonald” became the enduring brand name. Ronald’s rise also marked a major shift away from Speedee, McDonald’s original mascot, toward an identity aimed especially at children and families.