Atila Altaunbay was a Turkish-born model and bodyguard who gained fame as Grace Jones’ husband. He married the iconic Jamaican-American singer in 1996 after she proposed to him in Brazil. Their marriage lasted until 2004, when they separated due to a violent incident involving Altaunbay.
Altaunbay’s life took several turns after his split from Jones. He worked as a social worker for a time. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 under unclear circumstances. His death remains a mystery to many who followed his story.
Despite their divorce, Altaunbay and Jones were still legally married at the time of his death. Their relationship was marked by ups and downs, reflecting the complex nature of their bond. Altaunbay’s life story offers a glimpse into the challenges of being married to a famous entertainer.
Atila Altaunbay: Key Information
| Full Name | Atila Altaunbay |
| Date of Birth | 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Occupation | Former bodyguard |
| Known For | Marriage to singer Grace Jones |
| Marriage Date | 1996 |
| Spouse | Grace Jones (married 1996; marriage reportedly ended after a few years) |
| Notable Events | Relationship with a high-profile celebrity, Grace Jones |
| Current Status | Relatively private life, few public details available |
Atila Altaunbay Early Life
Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in Turkey. He grew up in a Turkish Muslim family, which shaped his cultural and religious views. As a child, Altaunbay moved to Belgium. This move exposed him to Western European culture, adding to his diverse upbringing.
In Belgium, Altaunbay spent his formative years. This period likely influenced his worldview and future career path. He eventually became a bodyguard, a job that led him to meet Grace Jones in the late 1980s.
Altaunbay’s family did not approve of his relationship with Jones. Their Muslim background clashed with Jones’ public image and lifestyle.
Atila Altaunbay Age
Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976, making him 45 years old when he died in 2021. He was about 20 years younger than Grace Jones when they met. This age gap drew attention when they married in 1996.
Altaunbay was in his early 20s during his relationship with Jones. His youth contrasted with Jones’ established career and fame. Despite his connection to a celebrity, Altaunbay has kept a low profile over the years.
His current age puts him in middle adulthood, a time often marked by career stability and personal growth.
Relationship With Grace Jones
Atila Altaunbay’s relationship with Grace Jones was marked by cultural contrasts and public interest. Their union brought together different backgrounds and lifestyles.
Atila Altaunbay Grace Jones Marriage Details
Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones tied the knot in 1996. Altaunbay, who worked as a pizza delivery man in Belgium, caught Jones’ eye. He later became her bodyguard.
Their marriage faced challenges due to their age gap and different personalities. The couple had serious arguments. In one incident, Altaunbay allegedly threatened Jones with a knife during a fight in the kitchen.
Despite problems, they stayed married for about eight years. Though they separated, they didn’t finalize a divorce. Technically, they remain married.
Public Appearances
Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay made some public appearances together. They attended events like the Made in Italy Awards.
Their outings drew attention due to Jones’ fame and Altaunbay’s lower profile. The couple’s contrasting styles were often noted. Jones was known for her bold persona, while Altaunbay was described as shy and mature.
Their public life together was limited. After their separation, Altaunbay mostly stayed out of the spotlight. Jones continued her career in music and entertainment.
Atila Altaunbay’s Career
Atila Altaunbay worked as a bodyguard. This job led him to meet Grace Jones, the famous singer and actress. Altaunbay’s career path differed from his wife’s entertainment world. He focused on personal security and protection.
His role as a bodyguard required:
- Physical fitness
- Alertness
- Ability to handle tense situations
Altaunbay’s work likely involved:
- Crowd control
- Risk assessment
- Close protection of clients
His job may have taken him to various locations. High-profile events and travel were probably part of his duties.
Altaunbay’s career choice shows his interest in safety and security. It also hints at his physical capabilities and discipline. While not as public as his wife’s career, Altaunbay’s work was important. Bodyguards play a crucial role in protecting people in the spotlight.
His job might have given him unique insights into the entertainment industry. This could have helped him understand Grace Jones’s world better.
Atila Altaunbay Now
Atila Altaunbay’s current status remains largely unknown to the public. Limited information is available about his recent activities or whereabouts. According to various sources, he died in 2021. However the cause of his death is unknown.
Recent News
Atila Altaunbay has kept a low profile in recent years. No major news stories or public appearances have been reported about him. His ex-wife Grace Jones continues to be active in the music and entertainment industry.
Some sources suggest Altaunbay may have passed away, but this information lacks official confirmation. The details of his life after separating from Grace Jones are not well-documented.
Current Projects
There is no reliable information about any current projects or activities involving Atila Altaunbay. His career path and professional pursuits since his split from Grace Jones remain unclear.
Grace Jones, on the other hand, has released new music and performed at various events in recent years. She continues to make public appearances and engage in creative projects.
The lack of updates about Altaunbay makes it difficult to determine his current occupation or interests. His life after his high-profile marriage has been kept private.
Atila Altaunbay’s Media Coverage
Atila Altaunbay’s media presence was largely tied to his relationship with Grace Jones. His public image was shaped by press interactions and limited online visibility.
Press Interactions
Atila Altaunbay rarely spoke to the press. When he did, interviews focused on his marriage to Grace Jones. The media showed interest in their 1996 wedding in Rio de Janeiro. This event drew attention due to the couple’s age gap and Jones’ fame.
Reporters often asked about jealousy in their relationship. Altaunbay’s responses to these questions were brief. He avoided sharing personal details or discussing his life after the divorce.
Press coverage of Altaunbay decreased after his split from Jones. He did not seek the spotlight or give many interviews on his own.
Online Presence
Atila Altaunbay has a very limited online presence. Few social media accounts or personal websites are linked to him. Most online mentions of Altaunbay relate to his past with Grace Jones.
News articles and fan sites sometimes feature old photos of the couple. These images often show them at public events during their marriage.
Altaunbay’s current activities and whereabouts are not widely known online. This lack of information has led to some curiosity among Jones’ fans about his life after their relationship ended.
Atila Altaunbay’s Legacy
Atila Altaunbay’s legacy is tied to his relationship with Grace Jones. Their marriage in 1996 made headlines due to the age gap and cultural differences.
Altaunbay’s impact extends beyond his personal life. He inspired others to pursue unconventional relationships and challenge societal norms.
His time as Jones’ bodyguard and husband gave him unique insights into the entertainment industry. This experience likely shaped his worldview and future endeavors.
While not as famous as Jones, Altaunbay left his mark on popular culture. His brief time in the spotlight highlighted the complexities of celebrity relationships.
Altaunbay’s legacy also includes his role in bridging different cultures. His Turkish background and connection to Jones showcased the power of cross-cultural unions.
Though details about his later life are scarce, Altaunbay’s story continues to intrigue people. His legacy serves as a reminder of the unexpected turns life can take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People often have questions about Atila Altaunbay and his relationship with Grace Jones. Here are some common queries and answers about their marriage, careers, and current status.
1. What is the relationship history between Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay?
Grace Jones met Atila Altaunbay when he worked as her bodyguard. They got married in Rio de Janeiro on February 24, 1996. Jones was 42 years old at the time, while Altaunbay was 21.
2. How long were Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay married?
The exact length of their marriage is not clear. They separated after some time, but reports suggest they never officially divorced. As of 2024, they may still be legally married.
3. What has Atila Altaunbay been known for professionally?
Before meeting Grace Jones, Altaunbay worked as a pizza delivery person in Belgium. He later became a bodyguard, which led to his job with Jones. After their marriage, he was mostly known as Jones’ husband.
4. Has Atila Altaunbay been in the public eye since his relationship with Grace Jones?
Altaunbay has kept a low profile since his split from Grace Jones. There is little public information about his life or activities after their separation.
5. What led to the separation of Grace Jones and Atila Altaunbay?
The reasons for their separation are not well-known. Their large age gap and cultural differences may have played a role. Altaunbay’s Muslim family did not approve of the marriage, which could have caused problems.
6. Has Atila Altaunbay remarried since his divorce from Grace Jones?
There is no public information about Atila Altaunbay remarrying. As far as we know, he and Grace Jones are still legally married, though separated.
Takeaways
Atila Altaunbay’s story remains shrouded in mystery. His brief marriage to Grace Jones in 1996 brought him into the spotlight. Altaunbay was 21 when he wed the 42-year-old Jones in Rio de Janeiro. Their union faced challenges from the start.
His Muslim family opposed the match due to their age difference. This conflict likely put strain on the relationship.
After their split, Altaunbay largely vanished from public view. His current whereabouts and activities are unknown.
The legacy of his time with Jones continues to intrigue fans and media. It serves as a reminder of the complex nature of celebrity relationships.
Altaunbay’s story highlights how fleeting fame can be. His journey from bodyguard to husband of a star, and back to obscurity, is a unique tale in entertainment history.
