Published: September 27, 2026 · 12:26 AM EDT
The sculptor and designer helped shape GWAR’s theatrical universe and contributed vocals to “Sexecutioner” and “Rag Na Rok”
Chuck Varga, a founding member of GWAR and the performer behind the band’s Sexecutioner character, has died at age 68. Longtime GWAR bassist Casey Orr, known onstage as Beefcake the Mighty, announced Varga’s death on Friday, September 25, saying he passed peacefully with his wife, Bambi, by his side.
Varga was part of the creative foundation that helped shape GWAR in Richmond, Virginia. The band’s official biography identifies him as a sculptor, set designer and multidisciplinary artist who co-founded Slave Pit Studios, the creative collective responsible for much of GWAR’s costumes, characters, props, sets and visual identity.
As Sexecutioner, Varga contributed vocals to “Sexecutioner” from Scumdogs of the Universe and sang lead on “Rag Na Rok” from GWAR’s 1995 album Ragnarök. His work extended well beyond performing, with GWAR crediting him across eight major touring productions and more than 1,000 shows in the United States and Europe.
Varga also worked on two feature-length films connected to GWAR, including Phallus in Wonderland. The film received a nomination for Best Music Film at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993.
According to GWAR’s official biography, Varga left the band as a full-time member in 1997 to pursue work in Broadway, film and television in New York City. He continued making occasional appearances with GWAR and later returned for reunion performances.
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Earlier in 2026, GWAR organized fundraising and blood-donation efforts to support Varga during his battle with cancer. In July, Varga told Decibel that he had metastatic prostate cancer and was receiving hospice care. The announcement of his death did not state a formal cause of death, so Rockum is not attributing his death to a specific medical cause.
Listen to GWAR’s “Sexecutioner,” from Scumdogs of the Universe, on the band’s Official Artist Channel below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Archive photograph.
