McDonald's characters

McDonald's characters are a set of fictional characters used in the marketing for McDonald's, an international fast food chain. Originating in the United States in the 1960s, these characters became iconic symbols of the brand and were used extensively in advertising, promotional materials, and children's meals toys. The most notable of these characters is Ronald McDonald, the clown mascot of the franchise.

History

The creation of McDonald's characters can be traced back to 1963, with the introduction of Ronald McDonald, who was initially portrayed by Willard Scott. Ronald was designed to appeal directly to children, with his colorful clown outfit and friendly demeanor. Following Ronald's success, McDonald's expanded the character lineup in the 1970s to create a fantasy world called "McDonaldland." This world was populated by a variety of characters, each with their own unique personalities and roles within the McDonald's universe.

Main Characters

• Ronald McDonald - The primary mascot of McDonald's, known for his red hair and clown makeup. Ronald is depicted as a friendly and kind character who leads the other characters in adventures.
• Hamburglar - A mischievous character known for his desire to steal hamburgers. Despite his antics, he is still considered a friend by the other characters.
• Grimace - A large, purple character who originally was a villain but later became a friendly figure. Grimace is known for his slow wit and his love for milkshakes.
• Mayor McCheese - The mayor of McDonaldland, characterized by a burger for a head. He represents the authority figure within the McDonaldland community.
• Birdie the Early Bird - Introduced to promote McDonald's breakfast menu, Birdie is a yellow bird who is often seen as the voice of reason among the characters.
• Fry Kids - Small, furry characters known for their love of McDonald's fries. They often appear in groups and are known for their playful nature.

Decline and Legacy

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the use of McDonaldland characters in advertising began to decline. This was due in part to changing marketing strategies and a move towards a more modern and adult-focused branding. Despite this, Ronald McDonald remains a prominent figure in McDonald's marketing, particularly in relation to charitable efforts through the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The McDonald's characters have left a lasting legacy on the brand's identity and are remembered fondly by those who grew up with them. They have been featured in various forms of media, including television specials, merchandise, and video games.

See Also

• Fast food advertising
• Children's advertising
• Ronald McDonald House Charities