Retro Roll is a video clip distributed by the ABC (now USBC) showcasing Andy’s favorite trick shots. Don’t be fooled by the opening frame which claims this was filmed in the 1940’s; it is taken from a promotional movie known as “Rip Van Winkle” filmed in 1954, focusing on the history of bowling and its rising popularity in America.
Mort Luby, former editor and publisher of Bowlers Journal International, in 2011 painted a portrait of Andy depicting his cross-country adventures in the early 1930’s as he and fellow bowling stars such as Hank Marino and Nelson Burton Sr. toured America during the depths of the Great Depression on a BPAA and Brunswick-sponsored tour to promote the sport.
The painting was donated to the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum, and along with many other previous paintings by Luby was auctioned at the Bowl Expo in Las Vegas to raise funds for the Hall.
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“Bowling has been my life since I was 8 years old. What makes it so great is that it is you against the elements, and everybody can do it. There are no restrictions according to sex, race, age, size or religion. Politics are practically non-existent (201 beats 200, no matter who you are). Being a professional bowler for 40 years has been wonderful. Very few people get to do what they love for a living. I am one of the lucky ones.”
Source: The Memoirs of Johnny Petraglia – BowlersMart.com Bowling Blog
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Andy Varipapa and Joe Norris toured many U.S. military bases during World War II to entertain and train the troops. Although this historical article indicates that Andy and Joe toured Europe, research could not find documented travel history outside the U.S. However, Andy and Joe did travel to Europe during the Cold War in 1951.
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ANDY VARIPAPA - Bowling's Legendary Champion Showman 