Which McDonald's character was created as the chain's primary spokesperson in 1963?

Ronald McDonald was created as McDonald's primary spokesperson in 1963.

The character was developed for television advertising to give the restaurant a memorable personality, especially for children and families. A local Washington, D.C., television personality named Willard Scott portrayed the earliest version in commercials before Ronald's appearance was standardized nationally.

Ronald's costume drew on familiar clown imagery but incorporated McDonald's visual identity, including red-and-yellow clothing and food-themed details. He later became the central figure in the McDonaldland advertising universe.

The character is sometimes confused with the Hamburglar or Grimace, who became supporting McDonaldland figures. Ronald's distinctive role was as the chain's official mascot and spokesperson, rather than a character defined mainly by a particular food or comic behavior.