Which McDonald's character replaced Speedee as the brand's main mascot in the 1960s?

Ronald McDonald replaced Speedee as McDonald's main mascot in the 1960s.

Speedee was an early McDonald's character associated with the Speedee Service System and originally represented the restaurant's emphasis on fast service. As the company developed a more elaborate family-oriented advertising identity, Ronald McDonald became the central character in its marketing.

Ronald first appeared in a 1963 television commercial in the Washington, D.C., area. The character was portrayed as a clown and became the leading figure in a fictional McDonaldland populated by other advertising characters. This marked a significant shift from branding centered on speed and kitchen efficiency toward branding aimed strongly at children and families.

The other characters were not the replacement in question. The Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese were supporting McDonaldland figures introduced as part of the wider campaign. Speedee continued to matter historically, but Ronald became the best-known mascot.