Who played Ronald McDonald in his first televised McDonald’s commercials?

Willard Scott played Ronald McDonald in his first televised McDonald’s commercials.

Scott was a television personality and weather presenter who portrayed the character in early commercials made for the Washington, D.C., area. His version of Ronald wore an improvised costume that incorporated recognizable McDonald’s food imagery.

The early costume differed substantially from the familiar design used later. Ronald’s appearance was gradually refined as McDonald’s developed a broader advertising identity aimed at children and families.

Many people associate Ronald only with actors who portrayed him in later national campaigns. Willard Scott’s connection is specifically important because he played the earliest televised version, before the character’s look and role were standardized.