Ronald McDonald gets makeover, says he is ready for selfies

AP

Ronald McDonald's not clowning around with his new look.

The fast food mascot has swapped his mustard yellow jumpsuit for a stylish red blazer and ketchup-colored bow tie. He also rocks an updated red and white rugby shirt, yellow cargo pants and a matching vest.

Ronald appears to have tamed his wild red hair, but his oversized shoes have stayed the same.

His theatrical new wardrobe was designed by Ann Hould-Ward, a Broadway costume designer who won a Tony for 'Beauty and the Beast.'

Ronald's new duds come with greater responsibility. The clown will play an active role on social media and will tweet from the McDonald's account using the hashtag #RonaldMcDonald, the company said Wednesday.

Anonymous/ASSOCIATED PRESS

'Selfies ...here I come! It's a big world and now, wherever I go and whatever I do...I'm ready to show how fun can make great things happen,' Ronald said in a McDonald's press release.

Ronald was first portrayed by TV weatherman Willard Scott. The character made his debut in 1963.

In recent years, Ronald has faded into the background, acting mostly as the makeup-covered face of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

However, he - or, more specifically, his name- was the star of a new commercial for Taco Bell. The ad featured people named Ronald McDonald endorsing the rival chain's new breakfast menu.

GARY HERSHORN/REUTERS

McDonald's responded by tweeting a picture of its Ronald petting a Chihuahua.

The unveiling of Ronald's McMakeover came the day after McDonald's reported a 1.7% dip in sales at established U.S. restaurants during the first quarter.

With News Wire Services

vtaylor@nydailynews.com