Which 1960s McDonald’s character was a smiling cheeseburger-shaped mayor?

Mayor McCheese was the 1960s McDonald’s character depicted as a smiling cheeseburger-shaped mayor.

Mayor McCheese was one of the central figures in McDonaldland, the fictional setting used in McDonald’s advertising. His oversized cheeseburger head, formal mayoral clothing, and exaggerated smile made the product itself part of the character’s visual design. He was presented as a civic leader within the fantasy world.

The character is often confused with Officer Big Mac, another McDonaldland figure whose head was shaped like a Big Mac. Mayor McCheese’s defining feature was the cheeseburger head combined with the mayor role. The character appeared in television commercials, promotional materials, and related merchandise during the brand’s heavily character-driven advertising period.

McDonaldland characters helped McDonald’s create a repeatable story world for children and families. Although the company later reduced this style of advertising, Mayor McCheese remains an important part of its branding history.