What was the name of McDonald’s first mascot costume character in a 1960s television ad?

The McDonald’s mascot costume character featured in a 1960s television advertisement was Ronald McDonald.

Ronald’s early television appearances helped establish him as a recognizable public face for the chain. The first version was portrayed by Willard Scott, who appeared in a costume made from familiar McDonald’s food and packaging imagery before the character’s look was refined.

The advertising approach connected a clown character with children, restaurants, and the growing McDonald’s family brand. Ronald later appeared alongside characters from McDonaldland and became much more than a single commercial figure.

This history is sometimes confused with the origins of Speedee, the earlier mascot, or with the later ensemble characters. Ronald’s importance was his role as the chain’s principal live-action-style mascot during the television advertising era.