Which McDonald's mascot was introduced in 1963 and became the brand's famous clown?

Ronald McDonald was the McDonald's mascot introduced in 1963 who became the brand's famous clown.

The character was created for McDonald's advertising as the company expanded its appeal to families and children. Television personality Willard Scott played Ronald in some of the earliest commercials, helping establish the character's clown identity.

Ronald McDonald became the central figure of the McDonaldland advertising world. Other recurring characters, including Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese, appeared alongside him in commercials, packaging, and promotional material.

The character's prominence changed over time. McDonald's reduced its use of Ronald in some markets as advertising priorities and public attitudes toward marketing to children evolved, but he remains one of the most recognizable mascots in fast-food branding history.