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© History Oasis
1952-1967
Speedee was a chef with a hamburger-shaped head. It was McDonald’s first fast food mascot and original logo before the famous golden arches. You might remember him holding a “I’m Speedee” sign. Speedee was retired due to confusion with Alka-Seltzer’s Speedy mascot. The original Downey location still displays the Speedee sign where hamburgers cost 15¢ in 1953.
1963-Present
Ronald McDonald continues to be McDonald’s most iconic mascot. Known for being a red-haired clown in a yellow jumpsuit. Ronald originally wore a meal tray as a hat with a cup nose. He was first portrayed by Willard Scott (Bozo the Clown). McDonald’s insists only one “real” Ronald exists. You probably haven’t seen him much since 2016 due to clown fears. But Ronald has recently returned with a bang in 2025 for the McDonaldland Meal promotion.
1971-1985
This mascot was an anthropomorphic cheeseburger wearing a top hat. Mayor McCheese was a bumbling political leader of McDonaldland. And portrayed as incompetent, explaining rampant McDonaldland crime.
1971-1985
Officer Big Mac was a police officer with a Big Mac hamburger head. Commercials back in the day showed him chasing Hamburglar and other criminals. And showed him having difficulty maintaining McDonaldland law and order.
1971-2003
Pint-sized burglar in a striped outfit, that was the concept of the Hamburglar. Originally called “crafty old Hamburglar.” The Hamburglar attempted hamburger theft but was considered a valued McDonaldland member. He last appeared with Venus and Serena Williams in Dollar Menu commercials.
1971-1985
Captain Crook was no ordinary sea captain, he was a pirate obsessed with Filet-O-Fish instead of treasure. Probably the most normal-looking McDonaldland character, making him arguably the scariest. Captain Crook was beloved for his accompanying pet parrot.
1971-1985
This McDonald’s mascot was a mad scientist and McDonaldland inventor. The Professor created the Psychedelic Electronic Hamburger Machine and Chicken McNugget Dip-O-Matic. He was taken off the airwaves until 1980. You might fondly remember him skulking menacingly in the background.
1971-Present
Grimace is a purple blob described as an anthropomorphic taste bud. He was originally called “Evil Grimace,” with four arms, who stole milkshakes. Grimace was later redesigned as a friendly two-armed character. McDonald’s declared Grimace’s birthday in 2023, spawning the viral Grimace Shake phenomenon.
1972-2003
The Fry Kids or Fry Guys (used interchangeably) were pom-pom creatures who stole French fries. Their names have evolved over the years, with “Goblins” being the original name. They were even once considered to be called “thieving children.” A little odd, but the concept worked for more than three decades.
1977-1985
Uncle O’Grimacy was a green Grimace version that launched for St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake promotion. He wore an Irish hat, a shamrock vest, and carried a shillelagh. He was promoted as Grimace’s Irish uncle.
1980-2003
Birdie was a yellow bird promoting McDonald’s famous breakfast menu. Known for flying mishaps and breakfast preparation failures. According to McDonaldland lore, Birdie was hatched from a giant sky-fallen egg.
1983-2003
These were chicken McNugget-shaped characters with unique personalities. The McNugget Buddies were created by Hillshire Brands and appeared again in restaurant decor in 2013.
1986-1997
Mac Tonight was a crescent moon-headed pianist in sunglasses and a tuxedo. He is best remembered for performing the “Mack the Knife” parody for a dinner promotion. Portrayed by Doug Jones (150+ film career). Mac Tonight was created with a $500,000 budget and went nationwide in 1987. But he retired after Bobby Darin’s estate sued for $10 million. Unfortunately, the mascot has been appropriated by racist groups since 2007, and was classified as a hate symbol in 2019.
Late 1980s-Early 1990s
McDonaldland character from late 1980s ads. Cosmc’s name was revived for CosMc’s beverage chain 2024-2025 (all locations closed June 2025).
1998-2003
Ronald McDonald’s dog in the “Wacky Adventures” puppet series. Despite expectations, the character proved joyless. Sundae made limited appearances.
2009-2020
Happy was an anthropomorphic Happy Meal box with a smile and eyes. Known for being an energetic, joyful character who replaced Ronald McDonald as the primary mascot in many contexts.
2016
This was an anime character seeking McDonald’s employment. She only appeared once in a Japan-exclusive commercial.
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