Who played the original television version of McDonald's mascot Ronald McDonald?

Willard Scott played the original television version of McDonald's mascot Ronald McDonald.

Scott was a television personality and weather presenter in the Washington, D.C., area. McDonald's used him in early local commercials, where he appeared as the colorful clown character Ronald McDonald. His performance helped give the new mascot a recognizable personality and voice.

The early costume was deliberately built around the restaurant's products. Ronald wore a paper-cup hat, a tray-like garment, and other visual elements that suggested hamburgers and drinks. Later versions of the character received redesigned costumes and were played by different performers as Ronald became a national advertising figure.

The answer is sometimes confused with Ray Kroc, whose importance was as the businessman who expanded McDonald's franchising, not as the first Ronald performer. It is also separate from the designers of the Golden Arches. Scott's role was specifically the original television portrayal of the mascot in 1963.