Ronald McDonald wore a striped shirt and became McDonald’s first major advertising mascot in the 1960s.
The character was created for television advertising and portrayed a friendly clown who welcomed children into the McDonald’s world. His costume used strong brand colors, including red and yellow, making him easy to recognize in commercials, appearances, and promotional materials.
Willard Scott played Ronald McDonald in the first national television commercial featuring the character in 1963. The character later became the central figure in a larger fictional group that included the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese. Those characters helped McDonald’s build a playful setting around its restaurants.
Ronald McDonald should not be confused with Speedee, the earlier chef-like mascot used to represent fast service. Speedee belonged to the chain’s earlier identity, while Ronald represented its expanding family and children’s marketing.