Ronald McDonald was McDonald's 1960s advertising character who wore a hamburger-themed costume and became a company symbol. He was created as a child-focused mascot for television and promotional appearances.
Ronald's early costume was more directly linked to McDonald's menu items than his later standardized appearance. His hat and clothing incorporated food-related visual elements, helping children connect the character with the restaurant's hamburgers and other products.
Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in the first 1963 Washington, D.C., television advertisement, but many performers later played the character. This means Ronald McDonald is the character's name, not the name of one permanent actor.
Ronald became one of the most recognizable fast-food mascots in the world. His role also helped McDonald's build a family-oriented identity distinct from the earlier Speedee mascot, whose branding emphasized rapid service rather than children's entertainment.