Willard Scott portrayed Ronald McDonald in his first television commercial for the McDonald's brand.
Scott played the character in a 1963 advertisement for the Washington, D.C., area. His version helped establish the clown as a recognizable spokesperson for McDonald's before the company developed the more standardized costume and character design used in later national advertising.
Scott was already known as a television personality and weather presenter. His performance connected the new mascot with local television promotion, helping McDonald's introduce a character who could appeal directly to children and families.
The first performer is sometimes confused with later actors who portrayed Ronald McDonald after the character became nationally established. Ronald's appearance also changed over time, so early versions do not look exactly like later ones. The key historical fact is that Scott played the first televised version in 1963.