Discover the life of Atila Altaunbay, Grace Jones’s husband, his early beginnings, career, marriage, separation, and legacy.
Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in Turkey into a traditional Muslim family. His upbringing was shaped by cultural and religious values, where family honor and tradition guided most choices. At a young age, his family relocated to Belgium, a move that introduced him to new opportunities and a very different lifestyle. This step also marked the beginning of his journey that would later make his name known worldwide.
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Life in Belgium was far from glamorous. Atila grew up modestly, surrounded by everyday struggles common to immigrant families trying to adapt in a foreign land. Yet, this environment gave him resilience and determination. He learned multiple languages, adapted to European ways, and developed early interests in the arts and public performance. This balance between Turkish traditions and Belgian influence shaped him into someone unique—humble yet ambitious, quiet yet with talents waiting to shine.
📍 Quick Information Table – Early Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1976 |
| Birth Place | Turkey |
| Grew Up In | Belgium |
| Family Origin | Muslim, Turkish |
| Known For | Bodyguard, husband of Grace Jones |
Career Beginnings and Personal Interests
Before he became known to the world as Grace Jones’s husband, Atila Altaunbay lived a life of simple jobs and hidden talents. In Belgium, he first worked as a pizza delivery driver, earning his living through ordinary work. But Atila was more than just someone making ends meet. He loved singing and often performed at weddings, where his voice and charisma caught attention. He also dabbled in acting and modeling, appearing in stage plays and smaller roles in films like Mind Games.
Beyond the arts, Atila also invested in practical skills. He trained in CPR, AED, and martial arts, skills that later led him to work as a bodyguard. These interests gave him a mix of discipline and creativity, two qualities that helped him stand out. His ability to switch from singing at a wedding to protecting high-profile personalities showed that he was more than just an ordinary man—he was multi-talented and adaptable.
The Grace Jones Chapter
Atila Altaunbay’s life changed dramatically when he met Grace Jones, the iconic Jamaican-American singer, actress, and model. Their paths crossed in Belgium in the late 1980s when Atila was hired as her bodyguard. The professional relationship soon turned personal, as Grace admired not just his protective nature but also his charm and loyalty.
What started as a working arrangement grew into a close bond. Their connection surprised many, given their very different backgrounds. Grace was already a global star, famous for her bold fashion and unique personality, while Atila was a quiet man with a humble past. Yet, love blossomed between them. Their relationship defied norms and showed that attraction and love often go beyond fame, age, and cultural barriers.
Marriage – From Brazil to New York
The love story of Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay reached its peak when Grace proposed to him in Rio de Janeiro during the colorful Carnival festival. The two married in February 1996 in a private ceremony, with a Presbyterian minister officiating. However, this first ceremony was not legally binding due to technical issues.
To make their union official, they held another ceremony in Syracuse, New York, where Grace’s father, a bishop, officiated the wedding. Despite the romantic story, their marriage faced challenges from the start. There was a 27-year age gap between them—Grace was in her late 40s while Atila was just 21. His family strongly disapproved of the marriage, and due to cultural reasons, he eventually lost contact with them. Still, their love story remains one of the most unusual celebrity marriages of its time.
Turmoil and Separation
As passionate as their marriage was, it was also filled with conflict. The couple faced frequent disagreements, often linked to their cultural differences and the pressures of Grace’s fame. One incident became a turning point: Atila reportedly threatened Grace with a knife during an argument. Though he never harmed her, the event marked the beginning of the end.
By around 2004, the two separated. Despite their separation, they never finalized a legal divorce. Part of the reason was that Atila became difficult to find after withdrawing from the public eye. Grace Jones moved on with her life and career, but her bond with Atila remained an unforgettable chapter of her story. Notably, the couple never had children together. Grace’s only child, Paulo Goude, is from a previous relationship.
Life After Grace Jones
After separating from Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay chose a quieter path. He returned to Belgium, particularly settling in Antwerp. There, he avoided the spotlight and focused on community work. He became actively involved with Helping Hands Belgium, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the underprivileged. His role there showed a different side of him—a man who cared about giving back and supporting those in need.
This shift in life direction highlighted his desire for peace and purpose away from fame. While the world remembered him mainly as “Grace Jones’s husband,” Atila’s later years were dedicated to something more meaningful. He transformed from a bodyguard and celebrity partner into a man remembered for his charity and kindness in local communities.
Passing and Legacy
Sadly, Atila Altaunbay passed away in October 2021 at the age of 45. His death was announced by Helping Hands Belgium, the organization he had worked with. The cause of his passing was never made public, which left many people curious and saddened. His funeral was held at the Antwerpen Mehmet Akif Mosque, and he was buried in Belgium.
Though his life was relatively short, Atila left behind a legacy that combined both mystery and humanity. To some, he will always be remembered as the young husband of Grace Jones. But to those who knew him later, he was a man who turned his attention toward helping others. His story is both fascinating and tragic—a reminder that behind every headline, there is a human journey worth telling.
📍 Quick Information Table – Later Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Separated From | Grace Jones (2004 approx.) |
| Work After Marriage | Helping Hands Belgium |
| Date of Death | October 2021 |
| Age at Death | 45 |
| Funeral Location | Antwerpen, Belgium |
Quick Facts about Atila Altaunbay
- Born in 1976, Turkey
- Moved to Belgium during childhood
- Worked as a pizza delivery driver, singer, actor, and bodyguard
- Married Grace Jones in 1996, separated in 2004
- No children with Grace Jones
- Later became involved in philanthropy
- Passed away in 2021 at the age of 45
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Atila Altaunbay?
He was a Turkish-born man known as Grace Jones’s husband, bodyguard, and later philanthropist.
2. How did Atila Altaunbay meet Grace Jones?
He met her in Belgium while working as her bodyguard, which later grew into a romance.
3. Did Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones have children?
No, they never had children together. Grace’s only child is from a previous relationship.
4. When did Atila Altaunbay die?
He passed away in October 2021 at the age of 45 in Belgium.
5. What did Atila Altaunbay do after separating from Grace Jones?
He returned to Belgium and worked with Helping Hands Belgium, supporting charitable causes.
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