Ronald McDonald statue in Apalit Pampanga (October 2025)

Ronald McDonald is the iconic clown mascot of the McDonald’s fast-food chain, created in the early 1960s to appeal to children and families. The character first appeared in 1963, portrayed by Willard Scott, who had previously played “Bozo the Clown” on television. Dressed in bright yellow and red with oversized shoes and a cheerful demeanor, Ronald quickly became the face of McDonald’s advertising and community outreach programs. He starred in commercials, appeared at restaurant openings, and later became the central figure of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which supports families of seriously ill children. Over the decades, Ronald McDonald has evolved from a simple marketing mascot into a global cultural symbol of the McDonald’s brand.