Who performed the early television version of Ronald McDonald for McDonald's?

Willard Scott performed an early television version of Ronald McDonald for McDonald’s.

Scott portrayed the character in early local television advertising in the Washington, D.C., area. His version helped establish Ronald as a recognizable clown spokesman before the character developed into a national advertising figure.

The role was not permanently tied to one performer. McDonald’s later used other actors and performers, and Ronald’s costume and appearance were refined over time for broader campaigns. This is why the character’s history is usually described as a development rather than a single performer’s creation.

Willard Scott is also widely known for his long career as a television meteorologist and broadcaster. His connection with McDonald’s belongs specifically to the character’s early promotional history, not to the design of the Golden Arches or the company’s corporate logo.