Chuck Varga, a founding member of the band GWAR and the creative collective Slave Pit Inc., has died at age 68 following a battle with cancer.

Chuck Varga, a founding member of the heavy metal band GWAR and the performer behind the character 'the Sexecutioner,' has died at age 68. His death was announced on Friday by GWAR bassist Casey Orr, who stated that Varga passed away peacefully with his wife, Bambi, by his side. Varga had been battling cancer, a diagnosis that became public in April and prompted the band to organize a fundraiser and blood drive in his honor.

Artistic Contributions to GWAR

While Varga was not among the band's original musicians, he was a key figure in Slave Pit Inc., the production collective he co-founded with fellow Virginia Commonwealth University student Hunter Jackson. The Slave Pit was responsible for the band's signature, elaborate costumes, artwork, and overall visual design. GWAR member Bob Gorman noted that Varga’s illustrations, character designs, and artistic vision helped define the band's aesthetic and continue to influence the group today.

Career and Legacy

Varga performed as the Sexecutioner and remained involved with GWAR even after leaving the band as a full-time member in 1997. Following his departure, he moved to New York City to pursue work in film, television, and Broadway, though he continued to make intermittent stage appearances with GWAR until 2017. That same year, he founded Hyperreal Productions, a company specializing in costume and set design.