Which McDonald's mascot was introduced in 1963 as the brand's clown spokesman?

Ronald McDonald was introduced in 1963 as McDonald's clown spokesman.

The character was designed to give the restaurant a memorable personality for television advertising, especially in campaigns aimed at children and families. His bright costume and clown makeup made him immediately recognizable on screen.

Willard Scott portrayed Ronald in the earliest television commercials, but many other performers later played the character. That distinction explains why questions about Ronald's introduction and his first performer have different answers.

Ronald became the central figure in McDonaldland, a fictional setting populated by characters linked to the restaurant's food and brand imagery. Although his prominence has varied across markets and decades, he remains one of the most famous fast-food mascots in advertising history.