George Bates Voorhis, Jr. (August 31, 1923 – July 7, 1989) was the co-creator (with Terry Teene) of Ronald McDonald.
He was a professional clown and magician and was Ronald McDonald in Southern California from the mid-sixties until the mid-eighties. He made several commercials but his primary function as Ronald was personal appearances at openings of new McDonald's stores and newly renovated stores in and around the So. Cal. area.
Voorhis was a favorite clown among the other clowns and introduced the Big Mac successfully to McDonald's. One of his clown characters was called "Mr. Pockets". George Voorhis had a daughter named Barbara Voorhis who along with George Voorhis as Ronald performed at openings of new McDonalds Restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area. The shows were performed on a mobile stage called McDonaldland and included a magic show performed by George and his daughter Barbara as the Hamburgler.