Ann Calvello -- the flamboyant villainess of roller derby, dead at 76

[Gormy Cuss]

I remember the polka dot hair!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/16/BAG5VHP23N1.DTL

Ann Calvello -- the flamboyant villainess of roller derby

Marianne Costantinou, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, March 16, 2006

She was the Bad Girl of roller derby, a demon on wheels, the wildest, toughest broad to ever lace up a pair of skates.

To TV viewers and spectators who thrilled to her antics, Ann "Banana Nose" Calvello was like no one they had ever seen before -- and was certainly like no other woman.

In the era of June Cleaver and Donna Reed, Ms. Calvello's hard-muscled body was covered with tattoos and piercings, and her hair was spray-painted purple, green and even with polka-dots. She screamed like a banshee, cursed like a sailor and would pulverize any skater who got in her way.

[LostinVA]

1. I loved watching roller derby! My mom didn't allow it, so

of course we watched it. She said it was way too trashy (notice she did NOT say "vilent")...

[Gormy Cuss]

2. These were the brassy women on the tube in those days.

They were the anti-Cleavers.

[LostinVA]

3. LOVED IT! I bet that's what made me a lesbian... OMG!!!

[Gormy Cuss]

4. They certainly made me rethink the notion that I had to grow up to be

a demure little thing hanging on every word of a big strong man...:rofl:

[GOPisEvil]

5. The Texas RollerGirls will be so distraught!

How sad. RIP Ann.

The championship trophy for the Texas RollerGirls' league is the Calvello Cup.

[BrotherBuzz]

6. This old fart has fond memories of watching her on B&W TV....

back in the fifties and early sixties. Reception was so crappy in those days, we got to watch her twice because of the 'Ghost' on the screen. Oh, memories of the San Francisco Bay Bombers vs Las Angeles Thunderbirds! Hoot!

Interesting, many years later, I met the official photographer for the LA Thunderbirds and listen to his fantastic stories of being down in the thick of it inside the rink. It really got wild.

[SeattleGirl]

7. I loved Roller Derby!

And I remember Ann!

[Art_from_Ark]

8. I remember watching roller derby in the '60s

It was always the Los Angeles T-birds versus The Losers. And The Losers always lost!

[no name no slogan]

9. Aw damn. I just read an article about here a couple weeks ago

At least she got some of the recognition she deserved, what with the recent roller derby revival.