Ronald McDonald appeared on McDonald's first national television commercial in 1965.
McDonald's had already used Ronald in local television advertising before the character reached a national audience. The 1965 national commercial helped turn him from a regional promotional figure into the company's principal mascot across the United States. His clown identity made the brand especially accessible to children and families.
The national campaign expanded Ronald's importance within McDonald's branding. He appeared in television spots, public appearances, restaurant promotions, and later the broader McDonaldland setting. His look changed over the years, but the red-haired clown remained the most durable character associated with the chain.
Speedee was the earlier McDonald's mascot, but he did not fill the same national television role in 1965. The Hamburglar and Grimace also became familiar later as supporting McDonaldland characters, not as the mascot featured in that first national commercial.