Which McDonald's mascot debuted in 1963 as a clown?

Ronald McDonald debuted in 1963 as McDonald's clown mascot.

The character was created for television advertising and was designed to appeal directly to children. His bright costume, red hair, and clown makeup made him visually distinct from ordinary restaurant staff and helped McDonald's build a recognizable family-oriented identity.

Ronald became the central figure in McDonald's children-focused marketing and later appeared alongside characters from the McDonaldland fictional universe. His popularity helped connect the restaurant chain with birthdays, family outings, and children's entertainment.

Ronald McDonald is sometimes confused with the Hamburglar, who was introduced later as a separate character. The two belonged to the same broader brand world, but Ronald was the primary mascot and was introduced first among the best-known McDonaldland figures.