Colorful Characters of Pittsburgh

Beyond the world-famous artists, singers, actors and more from Pittsburgh are the city’s local celebrities known for their quirky style, unique mannerisms and outlandish behavior.
“Street preacher” Joe Barker led boisterous masses
throughout the streets of mid-19-century Pittsburgh, and despite serving jail time for inciting a riot, he was elected mayor by his fervent supporters while still in prison. With a simple yellow cart and rainbow umbrella, Gus Kalaris
established a Northside tradition selling flavored
ice balls, peanuts and popcorn for more than 70 years. Ringside Rosie was the alter ego of Anna Buckalew, who was the face of the local TV show Studio Wrestling every Saturday evening and frequently appeared at raucous wrestling
events at the Civic Arena in the 1960s. In my follow-up to Iconic Pittsburgh, I profiled some of the most entertaining, zany and unique Pittsburghers throughout the generations.