The Today Show's Willard Scott-- the first Ronald McDonald, was fired for being overweight (or so I've heard). Ronald McDonald was a change from real clowns. Real clowns were mute and didn't sell hamburgers. Willard's eyes look frightened. He doesn't look legitimately happy. It's as though he knew this gig was going to come back to haunt him.
Willard Scott also played Bozo the Clown, Kevin, so maybe you just hate Willard. Ray Kroc entered the picture in 1955 and "Ronald McDonald, the Hamburger-Happy Clown" was introduced in 1963 on three separate television spots. These were the first three television ads featuring the character.
Circus performer Coco the Clown (real name Michael Polakovs) was hired in 1966 to revamp Ronald's image, and he was the guy that created the more familiar costume and make-up.
