Which McDonald's character became the chain's advertising mascot after debuting in 1963?

Ronald McDonald became McDonald's advertising mascot after debuting in 1963.

The character was created for television advertising and was portrayed in an early commercial by Willard Scott, who was then a local television personality in the Washington, D.C., area. Ronald's clown appearance connected McDonald's with children and family entertainment.

Ronald was not the company's first mascot. Speedee had represented the restaurant in its earlier years, and the Golden Arches were becoming increasingly important as a corporate symbol. Ronald's role was different: he served as a personified character for commercials, events, and charitable activities.

Other McDonaldland characters, including Grimace and the Hamburglar, were introduced later or developed alongside the campaign. Ronald nevertheless became the central face of McDonald's family branding for decades.