May 8, 2025
Atila Altaunbay: The Untold Story of Grace Jones’ Mysterious Ex-Husband
Atila Altaunbay: The Life, Love, and Legacy of Grace Jones’ Former Husband
The name Atila Altaunbay often sparks curiosity, especially when linked with the iconic Grace Jones. His intriguing life story—marked by love, fame, and unexpected twists—has captivated many, particularly due to his unconventional marriage to the legendary artist.
So, who was Atila Altaunbay really? Let’s delve into his early life, career, and relationship with Grace Jones, and uncover where his journey eventually led.
Early Life and Education
Atila Altaunbay was born in Turkey in 1976 and raised in a traditional Muslim household. During his youth, he moved to Belgium to pursue his education, having become disenchanted with the schooling system back in Turkey.
From a young age, Atila had a keen interest in physical training and self-discipline. He developed impressive skills in:
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CPR
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AED (Automated External Defibrillation)
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Martial arts
These qualifications made him an ideal candidate for a career in personal protection. He later became a professional bodyguard, known for safeguarding high-profile clients. Alongside this, he worked various other jobs—pizza delivery, singing at weddings, and even dabbling in modelling.
Atila Altaunbay’s Age, Height, and Appearance
Born in 1976, Atila would have been 48 years old in 2024 had he still been alive. He stood at 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed approximately 65 kilograms, and had a fit, well-maintained physique. With dark brown hair and striking brown eyes, his natural charm and good looks opened doors in the modelling industry.
A Career in Acting
Thanks to his relationship with Grace Jones, Atila also found opportunities in the entertainment industry. He explored acting through theatre, television, and film. His debut role in the film Mind Games was well received, further expanding his artistic profile.
Though his fame largely stemmed from his marriage to Jones, Atila managed to carve out his own path in various creative and professional domains—even after their relationship ended.
Atila Altaunbay’s Net Worth in 2024
At the time of his passing, Atila Altaunbay’s estimated net worth was around $800,000, earned through singing, modelling, and working as a respected bodyguard.
By contrast, his ex-wife Grace Jones boasts a remarkable net worth of nearly $7 million, accrued from decades of success in music, fashion, and film.
A Complicated Love: Marriage to Grace Jones
Atila met Grace Jones in the late 1980s while working as her bodyguard at a club in Belgium. Their romance blossomed in secret, and Grace eventually proposed to him in Rio de Janeiro. The pair tied the knot on 24 February 1996 in a private ceremony.
Unfortunately, Atila’s family disapproved of the union, primarily due to cultural reasons and the fact he married before his older siblings. Despite their objections, Atila chose love and distanced himself from his relatives.
Who Is Grace Jones?
Grace Jones, born on 19 May 1948 in Jamaica, is a global icon known for her bold style, music, and film work. Her most celebrated hits and roles include:
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“Private Life”
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“Pull Up to the Bumper”
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Conan the Destroyer
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A View to a Kill
Children and Family Life
Though Atila had no biological children, he played a pivotal role in the life of Grace’s son, Paulo Goude. Paulo was born from her previous relationship with French photographer and designer Jean-Paul Goude.
The Reason Behind Their Divorce
While their marriage initially flourished, it later took a darker turn. Grace revealed in her autobiography that Atila’s temper had become increasingly volatile. In one alarming incident, he allegedly threatened her with a weapon during an argument in the kitchen. This deeply traumatising episode, coupled with their age difference—Atila was in his 20s while Grace was in her 40s—eventually led to their separation.
Following their divorce, Atila resumed a more private life, taking on a corporate role and avoiding the limelight.
Where Is Atila Altaunbay Now?
Tragically, Atila Altaunbay passed away in 2021 at the age of 45. His death was announced on Facebook, where he was honoured for his charitable work as the chairman of “Helping Hand Belgium,” an organisation dedicated to fighting poverty and social inequality.
A Private Man in a Public Relationship
Unlike Grace, Atila preferred to stay out of the public eye. He had no known social media presence and valued his privacy, focusing instead on his work and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
Though their paths ultimately diverged, the love story between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones remains a fascinating chapter in both their lives. Atila, a multi-talented bodyguard, model, and singer, experienced a meteoric rise through his association with one of music’s most distinctive voices. Despite their differences and eventual split, the relationship left a lasting impression on both their lives.
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