Atila Altaunbay may not be a household name, but his story has intrigued fans of music, fashion, and pop culture for decades. Known primarily as the ex-husband of the legendary singer and actress Grace Jones, Atila’s life offers a fascinating blend of mystery, romance, and cultural depth.
Born in Turkey, Atila came from humble beginnings and later became a bodyguard, model, and performer before entering the global spotlight through his marriage to Grace Jones in the 1990s. Despite his brief time in the public eye, his story continues to capture attention for its mix of love, loyalty, and complexity.
| Full Name | Atila Altaunbay |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Ethnicity | Middle Eastern / Mediterranean |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | Vocational & self-defense training |
| Profession | Bodyguard, model, performer |
| Famous For | Ex-husband of singer and actress Grace Jones |
| Marital Status | Separated (possibly still legally married) |
| Spouse | Grace Jones (m. 1996 – separated 2004) |
| Children | None |
| Height | Approx. 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Weight | Around 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Known For | Private nature, loyalty, mysterious personality |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Residence (Current) | Believed to be in Europe (Belgium or Turkey) |
| Notable Traits | Calm, disciplined, private, loyal |
| Years Active | 1990s – early 2000s |
| Famous Connection | Grace Jones (Jamaican singer and actress) |
Early Life and Background
Atila Altaunbay was born in Turkey, though specific details about his birthplace and early years remain limited. He grew up in a traditional Muslim family, where discipline, faith, and respect were highly valued. From a young age, Atila displayed a quiet determination and a strong work ethic — qualities that would later shape his life and career path.
While there is little documentation about his formal education, it is believed that he pursued vocational and self-defense training, which later led to his work in security and bodyguard services. His Turkish heritage and Mediterranean features contributed to his distinctive look, setting him apart in both professional and entertainment circles.
Early Career: From Performer to Bodyguard
Before entering the orbit of international stardom, Atila Altaunbay had an eclectic career. He worked as a bodyguard, model, and occasionally as a singing performer. His calm demeanor and disciplined presence made him a reliable protector for high-profile clients.
According to accounts from the 1990s, Atila was employed as a security guard in Belgium, where he reportedly guarded celebrities and VIPs. This line of work brought him into contact with major personalities — including, eventually, Grace Jones, the avant-garde fashion and music icon known for her bold personality and boundary-breaking artistry.
Meeting Grace Jones
The fateful meeting between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones occurred while he was working as her personal bodyguard during her tours and international appearances. Grace, known for her commanding presence and independence, found herself drawn to the young, reserved, and disciplined Atila.
Their relationship began professionally but soon evolved into romance. Despite their 20-year age difference — Grace was born in 1948, while Atila was born in 1976 — the couple’s chemistry was undeniable. Their union shocked the media but fascinated fans who admired Grace’s unpredictable and fearless nature.
A Love Story Beyond Boundaries
When Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay decided to marry, it marked a bold and unconventional step for both. Their romance defied societal expectations, not only because of the age gap but also due to their cultural and religious differences — Grace being Jamaican-born and cosmopolitan, Atila being Turkish and raised in a conservative Muslim household.
Their love story reflected the kind of intensity that defined Grace’s artistic persona: passionate, unpredictable, and deeply human. Friends of the couple described their connection as magnetic — a meeting of opposites drawn together by mutual respect and fascination.
Marriage to Grace Jones
Atila Altaunbay married Grace Jones in 1996 in a private ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The ceremony was intimate and symbolic, attended by only close friends and associates. At the time, Atila was just 24 years old, while Grace was 48 — a difference that became a hot topic in the press.
Despite the scrutiny, the couple appeared deeply in love. Grace later described Atila as attentive, loyal, and protective — qualities she valued amid her high-profile life in the entertainment world. Their marriage reflected both glamour and simplicity, uniting two very different worlds through affection and trust.
Atila Altaunbay’s Role in Grace Jones’s Life
During their marriage, Atila Altaunbay was more than a husband — he was also Grace’s confidant, personal assistant, and protector. The two traveled widely for Grace’s music tours, fashion events, and film shoots.
Grace once mentioned in interviews that Atila brought stability and calm to her otherwise hectic lifestyle. He preferred to stay behind the scenes, avoiding cameras and interviews, which only deepened his mystique.
Their relationship was described as intense but private, with Atila serving as both emotional and physical support for the global superstar.
Challenges in Their Marriage
Despite their strong bond, the marriage between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones was not without tension. Their cultural backgrounds, age gap, and differing career priorities gradually created friction.
Atila, raised in a traditional Turkish household, reportedly struggled with Grace’s celebrity lifestyle and her bold, uninhibited public persona. Moreover, family opposition also posed difficulties — his family, being conservative Muslims, did not initially approve of his marriage to an older, world-famous entertainer from a different background.
Over time, these cultural pressures, combined with Grace’s demanding career, led to emotional distance between the couple.
The Separation
After nearly eight years of marriage, Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones separated around 2004. While the exact reasons were never publicly confirmed, Grace later hinted at issues of jealousy and control that contributed to their split.
Despite their separation, Grace spoke of Atila with fondness and respect in interviews. She referred to him as someone who had played a significant role in her life, emotionally and spiritually. The two reportedly never finalized a formal divorce, leading to speculation that their marriage may still be legally valid on paper.
Life After Grace Jones
After his separation from Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay largely disappeared from the public eye. He chose a life of privacy, avoiding the media and celebrity circles he once occupied.
Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who capitalize on their connections, Atila opted for anonymity. Some reports suggest he returned to Europe, possibly to Belgium or Turkey, where he resumed work in security and personal training.
His retreat from fame demonstrated his consistent desire for simplicity — a sharp contrast to the glamorous life he once shared with Grace Jones.
Grace Jones After Atila Altaunbay
Following their separation, Grace Jones continued to thrive artistically, performing worldwide and maintaining her status as a style and music icon. In her 2015 memoir I’ll Never Write My Memoirs, she mentioned Atila affectionately but briefly, acknowledging that their relationship taught her valuable lessons about love and balance.
Although Grace moved on professionally and personally, Atila remained an important chapter in her life story — one marked by genuine connection amid fame and chaos.
Cultural and Religious Context
One of the most fascinating aspects of Atila Altaunbay’s story is the cultural intersection his life represents. As a Turkish Muslim man married to a Jamaican-American celebrity, Atila navigated immense differences in upbringing, traditions, and worldviews.
His background emphasized modesty and privacy, while Grace Jones embodied artistic freedom and self-expression. This dynamic made their relationship both challenging and deeply symbolic — a testament to how love can transcend borders, faiths, and expectations.
Physical Appearance and Personality
During his time in the spotlight, Atila Altaunbay was often described as tall, fit, and charismatic, with striking Mediterranean features. His calm and composed personality complemented Grace’s fiery nature.
Known for his sense of discipline, Atila was often the grounding force in their partnership. His martial arts and bodyguard training reflected both his strength and self-control — qualities that defined his personal and professional identity.
Media Attention and Public Perception
Throughout their marriage, Atila Altaunbay was the subject of widespread media curiosity. Tabloids and entertainment magazines were fascinated by the age difference and the unconventional pairing.
However, Atila rarely spoke publicly, maintaining an air of mystery. His silence fueled speculation but also earned him respect for his discretion. While many celebrity relationships end amid public drama, Atila’s quiet withdrawal reinforced his integrity and privacy.
Was Atila Altaunbay Grace Jones’s True Love?
While Grace Jones had been linked to several high-profile figures before Atila, many fans and biographers believe their connection was uniquely deep. Grace often described him as her “anchor” — someone who balanced her intensity with patience and gentleness.
Their relationship may have been short-lived, but it represented a genuine bond between two opposites who found temporary harmony despite the odds.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Exact details about Atila Altaunbay’s net worth are not publicly available. During his marriage to Grace Jones, he enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, traveling internationally and living among celebrities.
After their separation, Atila likely returned to private work in security or personal training. Estimates place his personal net worth between $100,000 and $500,000, though this remains speculative, as he has maintained strict privacy regarding his finances.
Where is Atila Altaunbay Now?
As of 2025, Atila Altaunbay’s current whereabouts remain unknown. He is believed to be living quietly in Europe, possibly in Belgium or Turkey, away from public life.
There have been no verified public appearances or interviews since his separation from Grace Jones. His complete withdrawal from fame has only added to his mystique, making him one of the most private figures ever connected to a major celebrity.
Legacy and Public Fascination
Even though Atila Altaunbay spent only a brief period in the limelight, his story continues to fascinate fans and researchers alike. His marriage to Grace Jones is often cited as one of the most unexpected unions in celebrity history — an example of love that transcended fame, age, and culture.
His life remains a testament to discretion, loyalty, and the human desire for authentic connection beyond celebrity glamour.
Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of Atila Altaunbay
Atila Altaunbay’s journey from a Turkish bodyguard to the husband of an international superstar is a story of love, resilience, and individuality. Though overshadowed by the fame of Grace Jones, Atila’s dignity and humility set him apart.
Today, he remains an enigmatic figure — a man who tasted global fame but chose peace over publicity. His story continues to inspire curiosity, reminding us that not every extraordinary life is lived in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Atila Altaunbay?
Atila Altaunbay is a Turkish-born former bodyguard and performer, best known as the ex-husband of singer and actress Grace Jones.
2. When did Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones marry?
They married in 1996 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a private ceremony.
3. How old was Atila Altaunbay when he married Grace Jones?
He was approximately 24 years old, while Grace Jones was 48 at the time.
4. Do Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones have children together?
No, the couple did not have any children.
5. What happened to Atila Altaunbay after the separation?
After separating around 2004, Atila withdrew from public life and has lived privately, likely in Europe.
6. What did Atila Altaunbay do for a living?
He worked as a bodyguard, model, and performer, and reportedly continued in security work after separating from Grace Jones.
7. Is Atila Altaunbay still married to Grace Jones?
While separated, it has been reported that their divorce was never legally finalized, leaving some ambiguity about their marital status.
Get more updates or Stories on True Stars Magazine
