He was known as the "axe-wielder" and worked well with Rogua, a fellow Gamorrean. Ortugg was uncompromisingly loyal to Jabba, as long as he was given food to eat. He was instructed to spy on Jabba's accountant Tessek, due to Jabba's growing suspicions about him. During one night he interrupted Dannik Jerriko when he tried to feed on the soup of Yarna d'al' Gargan.
He and Rogua were present when R2-D2 and C-3PO entered the palace at the start of the rescue of Han Solo, and the pair were later Force choked by Luke Skywalker when they attempted to block his entrance. He was one of the guards who laughed at Jubnuk as he was eaten by the rancor when he fell into the pit with Skywalker. Shortly after, he was killed when Jabba's sail barge, the Khetanna, was destroyed by Skywalker and his friends.
Venorra was member of the same Gamorrean clan as Ortugg.
The Rebellion Era Sourcebook said Ortugg remained behind at the palace when Jabba died at the sarlacc pit, still waiting for their master and driving off all intruders. This contradicts the evidence of other sources, though some Gamorreans may have continued to guard the palace afterwards.