Which 1960s McDonald's mascot became famous as the chain's clown spokesman?

Ronald McDonald became McDonald's famous clown spokesman during the 1960s.

The character first appeared in a 1963 television commercial, where Willard Scott portrayed him. McDonald's then developed Ronald into a more standardized national mascot, using his bright costume, red hair, and clown persona in television, print advertising, restaurant appearances, and charitable promotions.

Ronald's role was different from Speedee's. Speedee represented efficient service, while Ronald was designed to create a friendly, playful connection with children and families. That change matched McDonald's growing emphasis on family dining and child-oriented marketing.

Ronald later became the central figure in McDonaldland, appearing alongside characters such as Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese. His association with the chain was so strong that the name “Ronald McDonald” became a shorthand for McDonald's family branding.

The character's public presence varied by country and period, and McDonald's reduced some mascot-focused advertising over time. Even so, Ronald remains one of the most important figures in the company's branding history and should not be confused with the earlier Speedee mascot.