Willard Scott

Willard Herman Scott, Jr. (born March 7, 1934) is an American media personality, best known for his birthday greetings to American centenarians on NBC's Today show.

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Scott attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he met Ed Walker. The two hosted a radio program on WAMU-AM for two years, before moving to WRC-AM in 1953. Their program, The Joy Boys, remained on-air until 1972.

Scott spent the 1960s balancing his radio career alongside numerous jobs as hosts of children's television programs. He appeared on local television playing characters such as Commander Retro and Bozo the Clown. Another role he played during this time was that of Ronald McDonald, a character he was hired to portray for a McDonald's franchise in Washington, D.C. McDonald's eventually replaced Scott with a different actor, but Willard Scott is acknowledged as playing Ronald in the first three television ads featuring the character.

In 1970, Scott moved from radio to television, appearing on WRC-TV as a weekday weatherman. He remained there until 1980, when he was tapped by NBC to become its weatherman for the Today show. After being inspired by a viewer request, Scott began his practice of wishing centenarians a happy birthday in 1983, which he continues to do on a weekly basis.

Scott is also an author, having published several fiction and non-fiction books based on his experiences, and a professional speaker. He continues to serve as a weatherman for the Today show as a substitute for Al Roker.

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