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Squire Fridell facts for kids

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Squire Fridell
Squire Fridell.jpg
Fridell in 1977
Born (1943-02-09) February 9, 1943 (age 82)
Education University of the Pacific
Occupation
  • Actor
  • author
  • winemaker
Years active 1968–1996
Spouse(s)
Suzanne McDermaid
(m. 1977)
Children 1

Squire Fridell (born February 9, 1943) is an American actor, author, and winemaker. He is well-known for appearing in many TV commercials. In the 1980s, he was the spokesperson for Toyota cars and also played Ronald McDonald.

Early Life and Education

Squire Fridell was born in Oakland, California. He went to the University of the Pacific. There, he studied and was part of a student group called Phi Sigma Kappa.

Acting Career Highlights

Fridell started acting on stage in Southern California in 1968. He later became famous for his work in television commercials.

The Face of Toyota and Ronald McDonald

From 1978 to 2012, Squire Fridell was the main spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corporation in American TV ads. He became the official Ronald McDonald clown character in 1985. He played Ronald McDonald in McDonald's Corporation TV commercials for six years. He also played the character in the 1988 movie Mac and Me. He even voiced Ronald McDonald in the 1989 animated film The Adventures of Ronald McDonald: McTreasure Island.

Other TV Roles

Besides commercials, Fridell also appeared in popular TV shows. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, he had roles in series like M*A*S*H, Newhart, Ironside, and Adam-12.

Author and Winemaker

In 1980, Fridell wrote a book called Acting in Television Commercials for Fun and Profit. This book was re-released in 2005. He is also the co-owner of GlenLyon Vineyards, a winery.

Personal Life

Squire Fridell married Suzanne McDermaid in 1977. Suzanne was a professional dancer and dance teacher. They have one daughter named Lexy. Lexy is also an actress. The family lives in Glen Ellen. This area is in the Sonoma Valley region of California. They have run the GlenLyon Vineyards and Winery there since 1989.

Squire's sister, Barbara, is married to Tom Flores. Tom Flores is a former NFL player and coach.

External Links

  • GlenLyon Winery site
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