Ronald McDonald was presented as a clown in his first major McDonald's television commercial.
The character appeared in a 1963 television campaign in the Washington, D.C., area. Actor Willard Scott played the early version of Ronald, whose costume used restaurant-themed items, including a cup-like hat and a tray. The character was created to give McDonald's a memorable figure for children.
Ronald's later appearance became more standardized, with red hair, a yellow jumpsuit, striped sleeves and socks, and oversized red shoes. He was eventually presented as the central human-like mascot of McDonaldland advertising.
The character's role is sometimes confused with the separate McDonaldland figures introduced later. Ronald was the main clown mascot; characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese were supporting advertising characters.