American Willard Scott is an actor, author, media personality, clown and comedian who has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Born Willard Herman Scott Jr. on March 7, 1934 in Alexandria, Virginia, he attended George Washington High School. As a 16-year old, he already showed an interest in broadcasting. He worked as an NBC page at WRC-AM, NBC’s owned-and-operated radio station in Washington, D.C. in 1950. He attended American University where he worked together with fellow student Ed Walker at WAMU-AM, the university’s radio station from 1951 to 1953. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and religion.

Scott is widely recognized as the former weatherman for The Today Show. He also wrote and co-hosted the popular 60’s radio show Joy Boys, and has authored or co-authored eight books. He is the creator and original portrayer of Ronald McDonald from 1963 to 1966 and occasionally as late as 1971. He wrote in his book The Joy of Living that the character was created at the fast-food restaurant chain’s request.

In 1980, Willard Scott was tapped by NBC to become its weatherman for The Today Show as replacement for Bob Ryan who replaced him at WRC-TV until 2010. In 1983, he began his practice of wishing centenarians a happy birthday after he was inspired by a viewer request.