Chuck Varga, a founding member of GWAR and the artist and performer behind the band’s Sexecutioner character, had died following a battle with cancer.
Varga’s death was announced Friday night in a statement shared by Beefcake the Mighty, which said he died peacefully with his wife, Bambi, by his side.
“Chuck Varga has left this earthly realm. He passed peacefully, his beloved wife Bambi holding his hand,” the statement reads. “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.”
The tribute continued, “Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!”
Varga had been publicly battling cancer throughout 2026. In April, GWAR launched a nationwide blood donation campaign in his honor, describing him as an integral part of the band since its early days. A fundraiser followed in June to help Varga and his wife cover expenses related to his cancer treatment, hospice care, medical equipment and nursing support.
Varga later spoke publicly about his terminal cancer diagnosis and declining health.
Beyond performing as Sexecutioner, Varga was a sculptor, set designer and visual artist whose work helped shape GWAR’s elaborate stage shows and visual identity. A founding member of the band, he created and portrayed the Sexecutioner character beginning in GWAR’s formative years in Richmond, Virginia.
The statement announcing Varga’s passing did not specify a cause of death, though his battle with cancer and hospice care had previously been publicly confirmed.
We send our condolences to Varga’s family, friends, bandmates and fans.
