What was the name of McDonald's clown mascot introduced in a 1963 television commercial?

Ronald McDonald was the clown mascot introduced in a 1963 McDonald's television commercial.

The character appeared in an early advertisement created for the Washington, D.C., market. Television performer and weather presenter Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in that initial commercial, helping establish the clown as a recognizable spokesman for the restaurant chain.

Ronald later became the central figure of McDonaldland, a fictional setting populated by branded characters. The character should not be confused with the Hamburglar or Mayor McCheese, who were introduced as separate McDonaldland personalities. Ronald's role also differs from Speedee, an earlier mascot associated with the company's pre-Ronald era.