Not many people know about Atila Altaunbay, but his name is forever linked to the legendary Grace Jones—a singer, actress, and fashion icon known for her bold personality and unique style. Atila, a Turkish-born bodyguard, became famous not because of his security work but because of his unexpected marriage to Grace Jones. Their relationship, which started professionally, later turned romantic, making headlines in the 1990s.
Despite their significant age gap, the two had a strong connection. However, like many high-profile relationships, their marriage faced challenges and eventually ended. Since then, Atila Altaunbay has largely stayed out of the public eye, leaving many curious about his life, career, and where he is now.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Atila Altaunbay |
| Date of Birth | 1976 (estimated) |
| Place of Birth | Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Ethnicity | Middle Eastern |
| Profession | Bodyguard, Security Specialist |
| Famous For | Being Grace Jones’ ex-husband |
| Spouse | Grace Jones (married in 1996, later separated) |
| Height | Estimated around 5’9” – 6’0” (unverified) |
| Current Status | Private life, no public presence |
Early Life and Background
Atila Altaunbay was born in Turkey in 1976 (estimated) and raised in Belgium. While details about his family and childhood are scarce, he grew up in a strict, traditional Turkish household. His upbringing emphasized discipline, structure, and cultural values, which later played a role in his career choice as a security professional.
As a young man, Atila trained in martial arts and self-defense, eventually pursuing a career as a bodyguard. His strong presence, discipline, and ability to handle pressure made him a reliable choice for high-profile security work.
Age and Physical Attributes
Though exact details of his birth are unverified, Atila Altaunbay is believed to have been born in 1976, making him around 48 years old as of 2024.
Described as fit and disciplined, Atila had a lean but muscular build, which suited his profession as a bodyguard. He was often seen wearing formal security attire during his time working with Grace Jones.
His Middle Eastern/Turkish features, sharp jawline, and intense look complemented his calm and reserved demeanor, making him stand out despite his preference for privacy.
Early Career of Atila Altaunbay
Before gaining fame through his relationship with Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay worked as a security guard and personal bodyguard. His self-defense training and professionalism made him highly sought after for VIP protection.
He specialized in:
- Close protection for high-profile individuals
- Event security for celebrities and wealthy clients
- Private security consulting
His expertise eventually led him to work as Grace Jones’ personal bodyguard, where their relationship began.
Meeting with Grace Jones
Atila Altaunbay met Grace Jones in the mid-1990s while working as her personal bodyguard. Their professional relationship quickly turned romantic, and despite their significant age difference (around 28 years apart), they developed a strong emotional bond.
Grace Jones, known for her fearless personality and dominant presence, was intrigued by Atila’s discipline and reserved nature. Their chemistry was unexpected yet intense, making their relationship one of the most talked-about topics in Grace’s life at the time.
Marriage to Grace Jones
In 1996, Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay surprised the world by getting married. Their wedding was an intimate, private ceremony, held in Brazil, away from the media’s attention.
However, their marriage was anything but traditional. Grace Jones was known for her bold and unpredictable nature, while Atila, despite his background in security, was not used to the extravagant and wild lifestyle of the entertainment industry.
Public reaction to their wedding was mixed, as many found it surprising that a reserved bodyguard would marry a music and fashion icon known for her free-spirited and controversial image.
Who Is Grace Jones?
Grace Jones is an iconic singer, actress, and model known for:
- Hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm”
- Starring roles in movies like A View to a Kill and Conan the Destroyer
- Her unique androgynous fashion style
She became a symbol of strength and rebellion, influencing music, fashion, and art for decades. However, her intense lifestyle and strong personality often clashed with Atila Altaunbay’s more structured and private approach to life.
Challenges and Controversies
Although their relationship started with passion and excitement, it was not without problems. Some of the biggest challenges included:
- Cultural Differences – Atila came from a strict, traditional Turkish background, while Grace Jones was known for her unconventional and wild personality.
- Jealousy and Control Issues – Reports suggest that Atila struggled with Grace’s dominant personality and lifestyle, leading to tension in their marriage.
- Clashes Over Privacy – Grace Jones was a global superstar, while Atila preferred staying out of the public eye, which created conflict between them.
Separation and Life Afterwards
Their marriage eventually fell apart, though the exact timeline of their separation remains unclear. Grace Jones later revealed in interviews that Atila had jealous tendencies, which led to arguments and conflicts.
After their split, Atila Altaunbay disappeared from the public eye. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, he never sought media attention or financial gain from his relationship with Grace.
Atila Altaunbay’s Charitable Work
There is little public information about Atila Altaunbay’s involvement in charitable work, but given his background in security, it’s possible he continued working in private security and protection services.
Some reports suggest he may have worked with refugee aid groups or private security firms in later years, but these remain unconfirmed.
The Passing and Impact of Atila Altaunbay
There have been rumors and speculation about Atila Altaunbay’s passing, but no official confirmation has been made. Some sources claim he moved back to Turkey or Belgium, while others believe he chose a completely private life away from fame.
If he has indeed passed away, his legacy remains tied to his relationship with Grace Jones, a story that continues to fascinate fans of the legendary singer.
Atila Altaunbay’s Financial Legacy
As a bodyguard and security expert, Atila likely had modest career earnings. While he was married to Grace Jones, he did not appear to benefit financially from their relationship.
His financial situation after their divorce remains unknown, as he never spoke publicly about assets or inheritance.
Conclusion
Atila Altaunbay’s story is one of mystery and intrigue. From his early career as a bodyguard to his unexpected marriage to Grace Jones, his life took an unpredictable turn. However, after their split, he vanished from the public eye, leaving many questions about his whereabouts and life today.
While his marriage to Grace Jones was brief, it remains a memorable chapter in the life of an iconic superstar. His quiet and private nature adds to the mystery, making him one of the most intriguing figures associated with Grace Jones’ life.
FAQs About Atila Altaunbay
Who is Atila Altaunbay?
Atila Altaunbay is a Turkish-born bodyguard best known as the ex-husband of Grace Jones, the legendary singer, model, and actress.
How did Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones meet?
Atila was Grace Jones’ personal bodyguard, and their professional relationship eventually turned romantic, leading to their marriage in 1996.
When did Atila Altaunbay marry Grace Jones?
The couple married in 1996 in a private ceremony in Brazil, despite their significant age gap and cultural differences.
Why did Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones divorce?
Their marriage faced jealousy, control issues, and cultural clashes, leading to arguments and eventual separation.
Did Atila Altaunbay have children with Grace Jones?
No, they did not have children together, and after their separation, Atila disappeared from the public eye.
What was Atila Altaunbay’s profession?
He worked as a bodyguard and security expert, protecting high-profile individuals, including Grace Jones.
Where is Atila Altaunbay now?
His current whereabouts are unknown, as he chose to stay out of the public spotlight after his split from Grace Jones.
Is Atila Altaunbay still alive?
There are rumors and speculation about his passing, but no confirmed reports exist regarding his death or current status.
Did Atila Altaunbay gain wealth from his marriage to Grace Jones?
There is no evidence that he benefited financially from their marriage, as he maintained a low-profile lifestyle after their separation.
What is Atila Altaunbay’s legacy?
He is best remembered for his short-lived but intriguing marriage to Grace Jones, which remains a fascinating part of her life story.
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