The Quiz: Which famous clown inspired Ronald McDonald?
Pennywise the Dancing Clown
Happy Slappy
The Joker
Bozo the Clown
The first McDonald’s mascot was portrayed by famed weatherman Willard Scott, who previously played Bozo the Clown on television. McDonald’s loved his portrayal and asked him to become their mascot. Ronald made his first appearance in the 1960s — but his original look was creepy by all accounts. He was a clown with fast-food attributes, like a soda cup for a nose and a belt that served unlimited hamburgers. Eventually, he was reworked into a less scary, kid-friendly version.
The correct answer to this quiz is Bozo the Clown.