Who introduced Ronald McDonald in a 1963 television commercial for McDonald's?

Willard Scott introduced Ronald McDonald in a 1963 television commercial for McDonald's.

Scott portrayed the first Ronald McDonald in advertisements broadcast in the Washington, D.C., area. The character was designed as a clown who could appeal directly to children and give McDonald's a memorable personality beyond its food and restaurant design.

The early version of Ronald looked different from the later character. Scott's costume used McDonald's packaging, including a cup and a tray, as visual elements. The company subsequently refined Ronald's appearance and expanded him into a larger advertising and promotional program.

Ronald McDonald eventually became the central figure of the McDonaldland campaign, which introduced other characters such as the Hamburglar and Grimace. He should not be confused with Speedee, McDonald's earlier mascot, or with Ray Kroc, who led the company's major expansion.