Chuck Varga, GWAR Founding Member, Dies at 68 After Cancer Battle
He portrayed the heavy metal band's Sexecutioner character for nearly four decades.
Chuck Varga, a founding member of the avant-garde metal band GWAR, has passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. The news of his death was shared on Friday, September 25, by GWAR bassist Casey Orr, who performs as Beefcake the Mighty. GWAR's frontman Casey Orr described Varga as "one of a kind," praising his artistic prowess, stage performance, and scholarly nature.
He further added that Varga peacefully passed away in the company of his wife, Bambi. Orr further stated that Varga is likely welcomed into Valhalla by the band's deceased members Dave Brockie, who performed as Oderus Urungus, and Cory Smoot, the guitarist known as Flattus Maximus, saying, "Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!"
Varga was primarily recognized for his creation and portrayal of the band's Sexecutioner character since 1985. Although he left the band in 1997, he made sporadic appearances with GWAR before retiring from performing in 2021. Varga's contributions to GWAR and related projects were immense, according to Bob Gorman, also known as Bonesnapper.
His artwork, character designs, performances, and artistic vision continue to influence GWAR today. Born in 1958, Varga studied at the Virginia Commonwealth University before co-founding Slave Pit Studios in Richmond, Virginia, which later transformed into GWAR.
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