The purple McDonaldland character who became one of McDonald's best-known mascots is Grimace.
Grimace first appeared in 1971 advertising as a mischievous character associated with stealing milkshakes. The character was originally described as having four arms, although later versions gave Grimace a simpler, friendlier design with two arms.
McDonald's gradually changed Grimace from a somewhat troublesome figure into a lovable, child-friendly companion. His large purple body, wide smile, and simple personality made him visually distinctive alongside Ronald McDonald and other McDonaldland characters.
A common mix-up is confusing Grimace with the Hamburglar, whose defining feature is his black-and-white striped clothing. Grimace's identity is instead tied to his purple appearance and his early connection with milkshakes. The character remains one of the most recognizable figures in McDonald's branding history.