Ronald McDonald was introduced in 1963 as a clown mascot for McDonald's. The character was created to make the restaurant especially appealing to children and families through television advertising and in-store appearances.
The early version of Ronald McDonald wore a costume built from McDonald's food and packaging imagery, including a tray-like hat and a cup-shaped garment. Willard Scott, then a television personality, was the first person to portray him in a McDonald's commercial.
Ronald later became the central figure in McDonaldland, a fictional world populated by characters such as the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese. His image was used on signs, merchandise, restaurant displays, and charitable campaigns.
Ronald McDonald should not be confused with Speedee, the chain's earlier mascot from 1948. Speedee represented rapid service, while Ronald represented a more family-centered and imaginative brand identity.