Willard Scott, an American icon in broadcasting for 68 years, was best known for his 65-year tenure with NBC. His career encompassed roles as a weather presenter, radio and television personality, actor, narrator, clown, comedian, and author. He is most recognized for his time on NBC's Today show, where he delivered weather reports and celebrated US centenarians and anniversaries. Notably, Scott was the originator and first performer of Ronald McDonald, the beloved mascot of McDonald's.
March 7, 1934: Willard Scott's Birth
Willard Herman Scott Jr. was born on March 7, 1934 in Alexandria, Virginia.
1947: High School Broadcasting Debut
As a high school freshman in 1947, Willard Scott started broadcasting a weekly high school news report on a local FM radio station.
1950: Start at NBC
At 16, Willard Scott began working as a page at NBC's WRC (AM) radio station in Washington, D.C., for $12 a week. He later filled in as an announcer during another's vacation and eventually became a regular substitute.
1951: High School Graduation
Willard Scott graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1951. He had served as class president for all four years.
1951: College and Radio at WAMU
Willard Scott started attending American University in 1951 and worked at the university's radio station, WAMU-AM, alongside fellow student Ed Walker.
1953: Conclusion at WAMU
Willard Scott concluded his time working at WAMU-AM, American University's radio station, in 1953.
1954: First Children's Television Appearance
Willard Scott made his first children's television appearance on WNBW TV's 'Barn Party' in 1954, where he played the character 'Farmer Willard.'
1955: Start of 'Joy Boys' Radio Program
Willard Scott and Ed Walker began co-hosting the nightly 'Joy Boys' radio program on NBC-owned WRC radio in 1955.
1955: Co-Hosting 'Afternoon'
Willard Scott co-hosted the afternoon variety program 'Afternoon' with Mac McGarry, which aired on WRC-TV in 1955. The show featured Jim Henson's early Muppets.
1955: Graduation from American University
Willard Scott graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in "philosophy and religion" in 1955.
November 23, 1956: Eve of Enlistment
On November 23, 1956, Willard Scott, then 22, recorded his thoughts and feelings the day before his enlistment in the U.S. Navy.
1956: Moonlighting as a Disk Jockey
While serving in the U.S. Navy and living near Norfolk, Virginia, Willard Scott moonlighted as a disk jockey at WAVY AM radio in 1956.
1956: Military Service Interrupts 'Joy Boys'
Willard Scott's work on the 'Joy Boys' radio program was interrupted by his military service in the U.S. Navy, which lasted from 1956 to 1958.
1958: Return to 'Joy Boys' After Military Service
Willard Scott returned to co-host the 'Joy Boys' radio program in 1958 after completing his service in the U.S. Navy.
1958: Navy Service Ends
Willard Scott completed his service as a seaman in the U.S. Navy in 1958, having enlisted in 1956.
1959: Starting as Bozo the Clown
Willard Scott began portraying Bozo the Clown on WRC-TV's 'Bozo's Circus' in 1959, a role he would hold until 1962.
1959: Marriage to Mary Dwyer
Willard Scott married Mary Dwyer in 1959. The couple had two children, Mary and Sally.
1962: End of 'Bozo's Circus' and McDonald's Appearances
WRC-TV canceled 'Bozo's Circus' in 1962. Before its cancelation, Willard Scott, as Bozo, made appearances at McDonald's restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area, drawing huge crowds.
1963: Willard Scott's Debut as Ronald McDonald
In 1963, Willard Scott originated the role of Ronald McDonald, donning a costume with a paper cup nose, a food tray hat, and a meal tray that magically refilled. He starred in TV commercials and narrated a sought-after "Night Before Christmas" record.
1966: Ronald McDonald Replacement
Despite being told he'd continue in the role, Willard Scott was replaced as Ronald McDonald by a new actor named Coco just before the 1966 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
1966: 'The Dr. Strangedog Show'
Willard Scott created and hosted the children's show 'The Dr. Strangedog Show' in 1966, which, despite its technical shortcomings, he recalled as being the most fun to work on.
1966: The Ronald Show
Willard Scott hosted "The Ronald Show" in 1966, a children's program featuring games, skits, and interaction with Scott as Ronald McDonald, which he described as a "magnificent rare treasure."
1967: End of an Era: Scott's Time as Ronald McDonald Concludes
Willard Scott's run as Ronald McDonald came to an end in 1967 after portraying the iconic character for four years.
1967: Weatherman Debut
Willard Scott's weather career began in 1967 when he was chosen to fill in for WRC-TV's weatherman who had left the job.
1970: Full-Time Weatherman
Willard Scott transitioned to full-time weekday weatherman for WRC-TV in 1970.
1972: 'Joy Boys' Move to WWDC-AM
After leaving WRC radio, the 'Joy Boys' program, hosted by Willard Scott and Ed Walker, moved to WWDC-AM, where it continued for another two years.
1972: End of an Era for the 'Joy Boys' on WRC
The 'Joy Boys' radio program, hosted by Willard Scott and Ed Walker, ended its run on WRC radio in 1972 when the station changed its format to rock music.
1977: Meeting Paris Keena
Willard Scott first met Paris Keena in 1977 while she was working at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.
1977: Passing of Willard Scott's Parents
Willard Scott's parents, Willard Herman Scott and Mattie Thelma Scott, both passed away in 1977.
March 1980: Joining the Today Show
In March 1980, Willard Scott joined NBC's Today Show as the weatherman, replacing Bob Ryan who then took over Scott's former role at WRC-TV.
1980: Today Show Weatherman
Tapped by NBC in 1980, Willard Scott joined the Today Show during its ratings battle with Good Morning America and quickly became known for his audience connection, even dressing up as figures like Boy George in his segments.
1982: Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade Host
Willard Scott began his long tenure as the host of WAVE TV's Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade coverage in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1982.
August 22, 1983: Carmen Miranda Weather Forecast
On August 22, 1983, Scott delivered his Today Show weather forecast dressed as Carmen Miranda, fulfilling a promise made in return for a $1,000 donation to the USO.
1983: Centenarian Birthday Celebrations Begin
Willard Scott started celebrating centenarians' birthdays on the "Today" show in 1983, a segment that grew in popularity and was eventually sponsored by Smucker's, featuring the birthday celebrants on their jelly jar labels.
1987: Reflecting on Carmen Miranda and Love for Audience
In 1987, Scott addressed his Carmen Miranda appearance, stating "People said I was a buffoon to do it. Well, all my life I've been a buffoon. That's my act." He also expressed his love for his audience.
1987: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Host
In 1987, Willard Scott became the host of NBC's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast, a position he held for a decade.
May 1989: Gumbel Criticism Impacts Ratings
Following Bryant Gumbel's criticism of Willard Scott, the Today Show experienced a ratings decline in May 1989, with Q Score polls indicating a negative reaction to Gumbel's comments.
1989: Sermon Publication
In 1989, Willard Scott delivered a sermon at the 185th anniversary of his home church, First Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. This sermon was subsequently published in the book "Best Sermons 2," edited by James W. Cox.
1989: Gumbel's Memo and Public Reconciliation
In 1989, a leaked memo from Bryant Gumbel criticized Willard Scott's Today Show presence, leading to public backlash. Despite the criticism, Scott forgave Gumbel with an on-air kiss, wishing for the controversy to subside.
1992: Burger King Commercial
In 1992, Willard Scott, the original Ronald McDonald, appeared in a commercial for McDonald's competitor Burger King.
1993: Days Inn Spokesperson
Beginning in 1993, Willard Scott became the spokesperson for the Days Inn hotel chain, appearing in their commercials until 1997.
1995: Home & Garden Television Series
Willard Scott hosted one of the first weekly series on Home & Garden Television in 1995, a role that lasted for two years.
1996: Semi-Retirement and Al Roker's Rise
Willard Scott transitioned into semi-retirement in early 1996, and Al Roker, whom Scott had mentored, took over his position on Today.
1997: End of Days Inn Endorsement
In 1997, Willard Scott's time as the spokesperson for Days Inn concluded after a successful four-year run.
1997: Final Year Hosting Macy's Parade
Willard Scott hosted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the last time in 1997, marking the end of his ten-year run with the event.
1998: Matt Lauer Takes Over
Matt Lauer replaced Willard Scott as the host of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1998.
1999: 'Washington Post' Article on the 'Joy Boys'
In 1999, 'The Washington Post' published an article looking back on the 'Joy Boys' radio program at the peak of its popularity in the mid-1960s, noting its impact on Washington, D.C.
2001: Joy Boys Broadcasts Reissued
American University re-released some of Willard Scott's 1960s Joy Boys radio broadcasts on CD in 2001.
2002: Death of Mary Dwyer Scott
Willard Scott's wife, Mary Dwyer Scott, passed away in 2002 after 43 years of marriage.
2003: Relationship with Paris Keena
Willard Scott and Paris Keena began their relationship in 2003.
2005: Farewell to the Pegasus Parade
Willard Scott hosted the Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade for the last time in 2005, concluding his long association with the event.
2008: Reduced Substitute Appearances
Willard Scott's substitute appearances for Al Roker on Today decreased after NBC acquired The Weather Channel in 2008 and began utilizing their meteorologists.
April 1, 2014: Marriage to Paris Keena
On April 1, 2014, Willard Scott, at the age of 80, married Paris Keena. They had met in 1977 while Keena was working at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., and had been a couple since 2003.
October 2015: Ed Walker's Passing
Ed Walker, Willard Scott's close friend and co-host on the 'Joy Boys' radio program, passed away in October 2015. The two remained close until Walker's death.
December 11, 2015: Farewell to Today
Willard Scott formally retired from television on December 11, 2015, with Today honoring his legacy. The plaza outside Rockefeller Center was renamed "Willard Scott Way," and he was celebrated with well wishes from former colleagues like Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, and Barbara Bush.
September 4, 2021: Willard Scott's Death
Willard Scott passed away on September 4, 2021.
2023: Reflecting on Early Career
In 2023, Willard Scott looked back on his start at NBC in 1950, where he was initially a page before becoming an announcer.
2023: Reflecting on Early Broadcasting Experiences
In 2023, Willard Scott reminisced about his childhood, when he built a radio station in his basement at nine years old and sold ads, earning around $25 a month. His operation was shut down when the signal reached National Airport.