Willard Scott portrayed Ronald McDonald in his first television advertising appearances in 1963.
Scott played the character in early Washington, D.C.-area commercials, helping introduce McDonald's clown mascot to television audiences. His performance came before Ronald developed the standardized appearance and extensive supporting cast familiar from later national campaigns.
The character was inspired partly by the popularity of clowns in children's television advertising. Ronald's costume, makeup, and props changed over time as McDonald's refined its family-oriented identity. The mascot eventually became the central figure in McDonaldland promotions.
Willard Scott later became widely known as a television weather presenter, particularly through NBC's “Today” show. That later career can cause confusion, but it was his earlier work as the original television Ronald McDonald that connects him directly to McDonald's branding history.