Which McDonald’s mascot is a personified red-haired clown?

Ronald McDonald is McDonald’s personified red-haired clown mascot.

The character first appeared in a 1963 television commercial for the Washington, D.C., franchise operated by Oscar Goldstein. The earliest version was played by Willard Scott, who had already portrayed Bozo the Clown on local television. McDonald’s later developed Ronald into a brightly dressed, friendly figure who could represent the brand in advertising and public appearances.

Ronald is often confused with other members of the McDonaldland cast. The Hamburglar is a small character associated with stealing hamburgers, while Grimace is a large purple character. Mayor McCheese is a separate character with a cheeseburger-shaped head. Although Ronald became especially prominent in children’s marketing, he is not the origin of the Golden Arches or the company’s name.