GWAR Founding Member Chuck Varga Dies at 68 After Cancer Battle

The Sexecutioner Creator Passes Away at 68

Chuck Varga, a founding member of the costumed heavy metal band GWAR who created and portrayed the character The Sexecutioner, died on Friday, September 25, following a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. His death was announced in a social media statement by GWAR bassist Casey Orr, who performs as Beefcake the Mighty.

Varga passed away peacefully with his wife, Bambi, holding his hand, according to Orr’s Facebook tribute. Orr wrote, Chuck Varga has left this earthly realm. He passed peacefully, his beloved wife Bambi holding his hand. He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer; as a scholar and a gentleman. I’m better for having known him and the world is lesser for his leaving. Orr added that Varga would likely be welcomed into Valhalla by late bandmates Dave Brockie and Cory Smoot, concluding his post with, Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!

Roots at Virginia Commonwealth University and Slave Pit Studios

Born in 1958, Varga studied at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he met fellow student Hunter Jackson. The two co-founded Slave Pit Studios in Richmond, Virginia, serving as a creative production space that ultimately birthed GWAR. Varga debuted The Sexecutioner character in 1985, shaping the satirical, theatrical metal band’s macabre aesthetic and lore. Alongside performing, he contributed costumes, sets, props, and comic art to the group’s elaborate universe.

Transition to New York and Hyperreal Productions

Varga left GWAR in 1997 and moved to New York City to focus on film, television, and Broadway careers, later founding the costume and set design company Hyperreal Productions in 2017. Despite his departure from the main lineup, he made occasional guest appearances with the band, eventually retiring from performing in 2021. Bob Gorman, who performs as Bonesnapper, noted that Varga’s artistic vision helped define the band’s entire universe, stating that the influence of his illustrations, character designs, and performances can still be felt throughout GWAR today.

Community Support and Final Months

In April, Varga’s battle with cancer became public knowledge. To help manage mounting medical expenses, GWAR launched a fundraiser in June to assist with cancer treatments, hospice care, specialized medical equipment, nursing support, and living costs while his wife stepped away from work to provide full-time care. Donors to the campaign received exclusive merchandise designed by Varga.