Willard Scott was the first performer hired to portray Ronald McDonald in 1963.
Scott played Ronald McDonald in early local television advertising for a Washington, D.C., McDonald's franchise. His version of the character helped establish the clown as a recognizable restaurant mascot before Ronald became a national advertising figure.
The early costume and makeup were different from the familiar later design. Scott’s portrayal used recognizable clown imagery and incorporated McDonald's food branding, including a distinctive hat. The character was subsequently refined as the company expanded the campaign.
Ronald McDonald’s origin is sometimes described only through the later national character, which can obscure the local television beginning. Scott was already known as a television personality and weather presenter, but this question concerns his role as the first Ronald performer, not his later broadcasting career.