Who is Ronald McDonald and what is his affiliation to McDonalds?
RONALD McDonald is one of the most recognisable mascots on the planet.
But who is the red-haired, face-painted figure for McDonald's? Here's all you need to know...
Who is Ronald McDonald?
Ronald McDonald is a clown character which is the main mascot of McDonald’s.
In television adverts, the clown inhabits a fantasy world called McDonaldland.
Here he has adventures with his friends Mayor McCheese, the Hamburglar, Grimace, Birdie the Early Bird and The Fry Kids.
McDonaldland stopped appearing in adverts in 2003 but Ronalds remains.
Over the years he has appeared in books, comics, animations, movies and video games.
Is Ronald McDonald a real person?
It is thought that the character was created by radio presenter Willrd Scott, who aldo played Bozo the Clown, in 1963.
Since then 12 men have played the part for the fast food giant’s advertisements.
The current Ronald McDonald is played by Brad Lennon.
McDonalds wrote on their website: “‘The smile known around the world,’ Ronald McDonald is second only to Santa Claus in terms of recognition.
“According to one survey, 96% of all schoolchildren in the United States of America recognize Ronald.”
Many people work full-time making appearances in the Ronald McDonald costume, visiting children in hospitals and attending regular events.
It’s thought at its height in popularity there may have been as many as 300 full-time clowns at McDonald's.
In 2016 due to a number of scary clown sightings in the US, Ronald made fewer appearances.
A spokesman for McDonald's said on Tuesday the fast food chain was being “thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events.
And they confirmed to the LA Times it was due to a “current climate around clown sightings in communities.”
However he is now back front and centre on adverts across the world.
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What is Ronald McDonald's affiliation to McDonalds?
Ronald is the face of Ronald McDonald House Charities which works to keep families close together.
They provide a home for families of seriously ill children where they can cook, sleep, be together and always be only moments away from their sick child.