Who is Ronald MacDonald? This is a clown who is a mascot of the world famous company McDonald's. According to studies conducted in 2001 by the authors of Fast Food Nation, Ronald MacDonald (see photo below) is very recognizable. About what kind of clown, said ninety-six percent of American students. Without a doubt, such popularity allows Ronald MacDonald to become the most recognizable symbol of a well-known product. By celebrity, he is second only to Santa Claus.
In commercials and television commercials, Ronald MacDonald lives with his many friends in a fantastic country called McDonaldland.
Appearance story
Initially, the image of a clown was created by Willard Scott. During this period, the actor starred in Washington on one of the television channels. From 1959 to 1962, he played the role of the clown Bozo. After that, W. Scott starred in three separate television commercials. In them, he performed as a clown Ronald MacDonald.
Willard Scott later switched to NBC-TV as a meteorologist. However, he argued that the famous clown was invented by him.
The history of the appearance of mascot according to the company
The world-famous McDonald's network claims that W. Scott became the author of only the character himself, who is currently inferior in popularity to Santa Claus alone.
In 1965, AJ became the so-called boss over clowns. His responsibilities were wide enough. He hired new people, created performances, trained actors and organized mass performances. In fact, it was thanks to
AJ that Ronald MacDonald appeared before the audience for thirty-five years. During this period, the company hired a huge number of clowns to carry out
promotional activities.In 1966, the McDonald's restaurant chain engaged a circus artist. They became Michael Polyakovs. In the circus, he played the clown Coco. This artist made a significant contribution to the fact that Ronald MacDonald appeared in a new image. It was this person who created the makeup and costume known to almost everyone. In addition, Michael himself played the main role of the clown in the first eight commercials shown on television.
Actors
McDonalds has up to several hundred actors involved in its staff. All of them play the role of Ronald MacDonald at events held by the company, as well as in its restaurants. However, it is believed that at the national level, R. MacDonald is represented by only one actor.
So, from 1963 to 1965. it was Willard Scott. From 1966 to 1968 Bev Bergeron was involved in the company. George Voorhees played the main role of the clown from 1968 to 1970, and from 1970 to 1975. she was given to Bob Brandon. The next nine years, Ronald MacDonald performed King Moody. From 1984 to 1991 he passed the baton to Skyre Fridell. Until 1995, the main clown of the company was Jack Dupki, he was replaced by Joe Maggard, who played the role until 2007. After him, until now, the main actor of the company is Brad Lennon.
Trademark
Ronald MacDonald's costume, as well as various forms of his names, are the property of McDonalds. All of these attributes are registered trademarks of McDonald's. Qualified employees train actors in the same manner of depicting a popular clown. Such a game, combined with identical costumes, allows you to create the illusion of a single character.
It is interesting
In 2010, Corporate Accountability International made a proposal to McDonald's to dismiss Ronald MacDonald. The motive for this was the rapidly spreading obesity among children. However, the company's CEO said that McDonald’s has no such plans.
In 2011, Ace Metrix announced the inefficiency of advertising with the popular clown. However, Ronald still continues to appear in television commercials.
In the same 2011 Corporate Accountability International reminded itself again. In most newspapers, she launched information about the need for Ronald's departure. In addition, this statement has appeared on some websites. However, Jim Skinner once again defended his company’s mascot. He said that Ronald MacDonald is the ambassador of good, and everyone should be responsible for their choice.
The greeting of the popular clown in Thailand is made according to Thai traditions. At the same time, he presses both hands to each other. The Thai image of the McDonalds company symbol was created in 2002. The local McThai franchisor took a direct part in this. This character later appeared in India, as well as in other countries where a similar gesture is used as a greeting.
In Japan, Ronald has a different name. In this country he is called Donald. This change occurred due to the lack of the letter "p" in the Japanese language alphabet.
Charity
Since 1984, McDonalds has been providing assistance to children with disabilities. An international fund was organized under the name "Ronald McDonald House." Today, its effect extends to forty-eight countries.
There is a fund of Ronald MacDonald in Russia. In our country, it began its activities in 1995. Over the years, this charity fund has raised more than four hundred and twenty million US dollars. All the money was allocated to provide social, psychological and medical support to sick children.
In Russia, the Ronald McDonald Foundation helps orphanages and sick children. Young citizens receive support and joy from a cheerful clown in their difficult life situations.