Which McDonald's mascot debuted in 1963 as a clown created for television advertising?

Ronald McDonald debuted in 1963 as McDonald's clown mascot for television advertising.

The character was developed for the Washington, D.C., market, where local McDonald's advertising featured a clown character named Ronald McDonald. Television performer Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in the earliest commercials.

Ronald's appearance evolved over time, but the familiar red-haired clown, yellow suit, striped clothing, and oversized shoes became central parts of McDonald's family branding. His name was chosen to connect directly with the restaurant chain.

Ronald McDonald is sometimes confused with later McDonald's characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese. Those characters joined the wider McDonaldland cast, while Ronald remained the chain's principal humanlike mascot.