Grimace was introduced in 1971 as a purple, blob-like companion to Ronald McDonald.
The character first appeared in McDonald’s advertising during a period when the company was expanding its fictional cast beyond Ronald. Grimace’s original design and personality changed over time. Early advertisements portrayed him with more than two arms and a role connected to milkshakes, while later versions presented him as the friendly, simple purple character familiar to most audiences.
Grimace became part of McDonaldland, the branded fictional setting used in McDonald’s advertising and merchandise. He appeared alongside Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar, Birdie, and other recurring characters.
Grimace is sometimes confused with the Hamburglar because both were introduced during the expansion of the McDonaldland cast. Their designs and roles were different: Grimace was a large purple companion, while the Hamburglar was a small character associated with stealing hamburgers in the advertisements.