Which McDonald's character was introduced in 1963 as the brand's primary television mascot?

Ronald McDonald was introduced in 1963 as McDonald's primary television mascot.

The character first appeared in a local Washington, D.C., television campaign. Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in the early advertisements, using a costume built around McDonald's food imagery, including a cup-like hat and a tray. The character was designed to make the restaurant especially appealing to children.

Ronald soon became the central figure in McDonald's child-focused branding and later appeared alongside characters associated with McDonaldland. His red hair, yellow clothing, and striped details became closely linked with the company's visual identity.

A common mix-up is treating Ronald as the original mascot. Speedee represented the earlier restaurant system, while Ronald emerged during the television and family-marketing era. The 1963 date refers to Ronald's introduction, not to the creation of the Golden Arches.