Which McDonald’s character debuted in 1963 as the chain’s official clown mascot?

Ronald McDonald debuted in 1963 as McDonald’s official clown mascot.

The character first appeared in a television advertisement created for the Washington, D.C., market. The early version was played by Willard Scott, who wore a costume assembled from McDonald’s food packaging, including a cup-shaped hat and a tray-like belt. The character was designed to appeal especially to children and families.

Ronald later became the central figure in McDonald’s child-oriented advertising and in the fictional McDonaldland setting. His costume and appearance changed over the years, but the red-haired clown remained closely associated with the brand for decades.

Ronald is sometimes confused with earlier McDonald’s mascots such as Speedee, the hamburger-headed figure used in the restaurant’s earlier identity. Grimace and Mayor McCheese also belong to McDonaldland, but neither was the chain’s official clown mascot.