Ronald McDonald was portrayed by Willard Scott in the brand’s earliest commercials featuring the character.
Before becoming a nationally recognized mascot, Ronald McDonald appeared in Washington, D.C.-area advertising during the early 1960s. Scott, who was then a local television personality, played the character in those initial commercials. Ronald’s costume used familiar McDonald’s imagery, including a paper-cup hat, a tray-like accessory, and a striped outfit.
Ronald McDonald was later redesigned and promoted nationally, becoming the company’s principal human mascot. His appearance changed over time, but the character remained associated with children’s advertising, restaurants, and McDonaldland.
A common mix-up is to credit Scott with inventing the entire Ronald McDonald character or with playing every later version. He portrayed the earliest advertising version, while later performers and designers helped establish the nationally familiar appearance.