Ronald McDonald was the first McDonald’s character to appear in a national television commercial for the brand.
The character was introduced in 1963 as a colorful clown designed to appeal to children and families. Early advertising presented Ronald as a friendly guide to the McDonald’s world, helping the company build a more imaginative identity around its restaurants.
Willard Scott played the first televised version of Ronald McDonald. His appearance was based on a clown character he had already performed on television, although later portrayals developed Ronald’s familiar red-haired costume and branded look.
This fact is distinct from the question of which mascot came first overall. Speedee existed earlier as a restaurant symbol, but Ronald was the character who became McDonald’s first major national television advertising figure.