Which McDonald’s mascot was introduced in 1963 by actor Willard Scott?

Ronald McDonald was introduced in 1963 by actor Willard Scott.

Scott first portrayed the character in television commercials for the Washington, D.C., area. The early version wore a costume made from McDonald’s packaging, including a cup, food container, and tray-like elements, giving the mascot an immediately recognizable fast-food identity.

Ronald later received a more standardized appearance and became the central figure in McDonald’s child-oriented advertising. His fictional world expanded to include characters such as Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese.

A common mix-up is assigning Ronald’s creation to the agency that later developed campaigns around him. The specific historical credit for the first portrayal belongs to Willard Scott, who was already known as a television personality and weather presenter.