Ann Calvello

Who was Ann Calvello?

Ann Theresa Calvello was a U.S. athlete and notable personality in the sport of roller derby.

Ann Calvello graduated from Presentation High School in San Francisco, CA in June 1947.

Calvello had competed in roller derby in seven decades: the 1940s through the 2000s. She broke into the sport in 1948 originally skating for a league called International Rollerspeedway. Calvello, who often sported dyed hair and wild makeup, was known for her temper along with her unconventional looks. She was nicknamed "Banana-Nose" by fans. She travelled the world skating in Europe, Guam, Philippines, Cuba, Australia and of course all over the United States. She broke her nose 12 times during her career. Her most famous rival on the track was the late Joan Weston.

Ann gave birth to a daughter, Teri Ann Langley-Conte, on August 11, 1953. Following her initial retirement, in 1968, she was inducted into the Roller Derby Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Demon Of The Derby, a biographical documentary film about Calvello, was completed by Fireproof Productions. It has been released on DVD, and is occasionally screened at fundraisers organized by roller derby leagues.