Grimace was known as McDonald’s purple mascot.
He was introduced in 1971 as a character associated with McDonaldland. Grimace’s early advertising portrayal was more mischievous than the friendly personality audiences later came to know, but the company soon repositioned him as a good-natured companion to Ronald McDonald and the other characters.
His simple shape, bright purple color, and limited facial features made him highly recognizable in television commercials, restaurant displays, and merchandise. The character’s design changed over time, including a move away from the original multi-armed appearance.
Grimace is often confused with other McDonaldland figures because the characters appeared together in the same campaigns. Color is the clearest distinguishing feature: Grimace is purple, Birdie is yellow, and the Hamburglar is identified by his striped criminal costume.