Grimace was the name of McDonald's purple, blob-like advertising character used during the 1980s.
Grimace first appeared in 1971, originally with a more mischievous design and multiple arms. The character was later redesigned as the large, purple, friendly figure familiar from McDonaldland advertising. That simplified design made Grimace easier for children to recognize and positioned him as Ronald McDonald's companion.
During the 1980s, Grimace appeared in television commercials, restaurant promotions, and licensed merchandise. His visual identity was deliberately simple: a rounded purple body, large eyes, and a friendly personality. The character became one of McDonald's most durable branded figures.
Grimace is often confused with the Hamburglar because both were recurring McDonaldland characters. The Hamburglar was a small striped thief, while Grimace was the purple character associated with friendship and child-focused storytelling. Their roles and visual designs were distinct.