Which actor portrayed Ronald McDonald in an early 1960s television commercial?

Willard Scott portrayed Ronald McDonald in an early 1960s television commercial.

Before becoming a widely standardized global mascot, Ronald McDonald appeared in a local Washington, D.C., advertising campaign for McDonald's. Scott, who was working as a television personality and weatherman, played the character in those early commercials. The original version of Ronald was more loosely styled than the later red-haired clown seen in national advertising.

Ronald's design and costume changed as McDonald's developed the character into a consistent brand ambassador. The mascot eventually became closely associated with the company's family marketing, restaurant openings, children's events, and McDonaldland advertising. His appearance was refined over time, so early footage does not always resemble later official illustrations or costumes.

This fact is distinct from the question of when Ronald McDonald was introduced. Scott's role identifies the early performer, while the character's introduction is usually dated to 1963. Later performers and promotional appearances should not be confused with Scott's original television portrayal.