Who Was Atila Altaunbay? Inside the Life of Grace Jones’ Ex-Husband

Atila Altaunbay’s name may not be as famous as his ex-wife, Grace Jones, but his life is filled with interesting twists and turns. Atila’s story is not just about being the ex-husband of a famous superstar; it’s about a journey from a humble background to a life that caught the world’s attention. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Atila was, how he met Grace Jones, the challenges they faced together, and what happened after they parted ways. Let’s dive into the life of Atila Altaunbay, the man behind the headlines.

Atila Altaunbay Quick Bio

Who Was Atila Altaunbay?

Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in Turkey, growing up in a Muslim family. His family later moved to Belgium, where he spent much of his early years. He was not always in the spotlight, and like many people, he started with a regular life. Before fame found him, Atila worked normal jobs, like delivering pizzas, to make a living.

What made Atila stand out wasn’t just his background but his personality. Tall, muscular, and charismatic, he was someone who caught the eye of others, especially when he started working as a bodyguard. But, of course, the most attention came when he crossed paths with the legendary Grace Jones, which would change his life forever.

Atila Altaunbay’s Early Life and Family

Atila’s early years were spent between Turkey and Belgium. Growing up in a Muslim family, he followed traditional values, though his path soon diverged as he made a life for himself in Belgium. After moving there, he worked hard, taking on different jobs to support himself. His early career was far from glamorous, but his drive and determination led him to try his hand at different things, including singing and acting.

Although Atila’s family was an important part of his life, his connection to them would be tested in the years to come. His parents, especially his family in Turkey, had certain expectations for him, which included following traditional paths. Atila’s life choices, especially his marriage to Grace Jones, would put a strain on those family ties, as they didn’t approve of his decision to marry someone so different from their culture.

How Atila Altaunbay Met Grace Jones

Atila’s big break came when he started working as a bodyguard for Grace Jones. In the late 1980s or early 1990s, Atila was hired to protect Grace while she was on tour in Belgium. It didn’t take long for the two to develop a close working relationship. Atila’s calm and serious demeanor made him an ideal bodyguard, but it wasn’t just his skills that attracted Grace — she was also drawn to his looks and charm.

Soon after, their professional relationship turned personal. Grace, who was known for her bold personality, surprised everyone by proposing to Atila during a trip to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival. At the time, Grace was 48, and Atila was 21, a 27-year age gap that caught the media’s attention. But for Grace and Atila, it just felt right. Atila had become more than just her bodyguard; he was someone she cared for deeply.

Atila Altaunbay’s Role as Grace Jones’ Bodyguard

Being Grace Jones’ bodyguard was more than just a job for Atila — it became the beginning of a new life. As a bodyguard, he traveled with Grace, keeping her safe and protecting her from the dangers that often come with fame. But beyond his protective duties, Atila’s role allowed him to step into the world of entertainment, meeting other celebrities and gaining a unique view of the high-profile lifestyle.

While Atila never sought fame on his own, working with Grace gave him opportunities to explore other talents. He took singing lessons, performed at events like weddings, and even tried acting. He appeared in the movie Mind Games, showing that there was more to him than just being a bodyguard. But it was his connection to Grace that really brought him into the spotlight.

The Age Gap and Cultural Differences

One of the most talked-about aspects of Atila and Grace’s relationship was their significant age gap. Grace was 48, and Atila was 21 when they got married, a 27-year difference that raised eyebrows. Some people were curious about how such a large age gap would affect their relationship, especially since Grace was an international superstar and Atila came from a completely different cultural background.

Their marriage also brought cultural challenges. Atila’s Muslim family did not approve of the relationship, as it went against many of the traditions they held dear. This caused tension between Atila and his family, and eventually, he was cut off from them. Despite these challenges, Atila and Grace chose to follow their hearts and remain together, although the outside pressures on their relationship were always present.

Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones’ Marriage

Atila and Grace’s wedding took place on February 24, 1996, in Rio de Janeiro. They wanted a private ceremony, away from the media, but things didn’t go exactly as planned. The priest who officiated their wedding wasn’t officially licensed, which led to complications. They had to redo their vows in a second ceremony in Syracuse, New York, with Grace’s father officiating.

Despite the challenges surrounding their wedding, Atila and Grace’s marriage was a moment of joy for them both. They tried to keep their personal life private, but as public figures, it wasn’t easy. The media quickly took an interest in their relationship, especially because of the age gap and their differing backgrounds. Yet, despite all the attention, Atila and Grace were happy together — at least for a while.

What Went Wrong in Atila and Grace Jones’ Marriage?

While Atila and Grace’s relationship started off strong, it wasn’t without its struggles. The challenges began to build up over time. Grace, who was always in the public eye, faced jealousy from Atila. He became possessive of her, not wanting her to interact with other men, even when it was harmless.

Grace later revealed in interviews that Atila’s behavior began to change as their marriage went on. He became more controlling and angry, and this caused tension between them. At one point, during a heated argument, Atila allegedly pulled a knife on Grace, which made her realize that their relationship had become unsafe. That moment marked the beginning of the end for their marriage.

The Violent Incident that Ended Their Marriage

The violent incident in which Atila allegedly threatened Grace with a knife was the breaking point in their relationship. Grace later described how frightening it was, and it made her realize that she could no longer stay in the marriage. The couple separated in 2004, after eight years of being together.

Although they had their issues, it was clear that Atila and Grace’s love for each other was real, at least at the beginning. However, as their marriage unraveled, it became evident that their differences were too much to overcome. Grace said that while she was never afraid of Atila at first, his actions became increasingly erratic, and she could no longer stay in the relationship.

Atila Altaunbay’s Life After Divorce

After his marriage to Grace Jones ended, Atila Altaunbay stepped away from the public eye. Unlike many people who crave attention, Atila chose a much quieter life. He returned to Belgium, where he had spent a good part of his childhood. In Belgium, Atila focused on living a peaceful, private life, far from the spotlight that had once surrounded him due to his connection with Grace.

Although he was no longer in the media, Atila didn’t disappear completely. He found a new passion in helping others. He joined a charity called Helping Hands Belgium, which supports families in need. Atila worked hard for the organization, helping to provide assistance to those who were struggling. His charitable work went largely unnoticed, but it showed a side of him that many didn’t know — a man who cared deeply about making the world a better place.

The Mystery of Atila Altaunbay’s Death

In October 2021, news spread that Atila Altaunbay had passed away at the age of 45. The announcement was made by Helping Hands Belgium, where he had worked as a chairman. His death was met with sadness and confusion, as no one knew exactly how he had passed. The cause of his death was never made public, leaving many people wondering what had happened.

Atila’s funeral took place in Antwerp, Belgium, at the Mehmet Akif Mosque. It was a small, private ceremony with close family and friends in attendance. Even though he had lived a quiet life after his divorce, Atila’s death still left many questions unanswered. Fans and people who knew him from his time with Grace Jones continued to search for answers, but the cause of his passing remains a mystery to this day.

Who Was Atila Altaunbay to Grace Jones?

For many, Atila Altaunbay will always be remembered as the man who married Grace Jones. Their relationship, though short-lived, was full of passion, drama, and public attention. Atila was a bodyguard who became her partner and husband. Despite the challenges they faced, their marriage brought them closer and created an unforgettable story in the world of celebrities.

Grace Jones, who had been in many high-profile relationships, found something special in Atila. He may not have been a superstar like her, but he was a constant support during their time together. Even after their marriage ended, Atila was a part of Grace’s life, and his impact on her was clear.

Atila Altaunbay’s Net Worth

Before his untimely death, Atila Altaunbay’s net worth was estimated to be around $800,000. His wealth came from his work in various fields. As a bodyguard, he earned well, especially when working for someone as famous as Grace Jones. In addition to this, he also tried his hand at modeling, singing, and acting. These diverse pursuits helped Atila build his net worth and gain recognition for his talents outside of his marriage to Grace.

Despite his involvement in high-profile events, Atila kept his earnings modest. His focus in his later years was not on fame or fortune, but rather on helping those in need through his charity work. His financial success was earned through his hard work and dedication, both as a bodyguard and as an entertainer.

Final Thoughts

Atila Altaunbay’s life was full of unexpected twists. From delivering pizzas to marrying one of the most famous women in the world, his journey was unique. But Atila wasn’t just known for his connection to Grace Jones. He was a man who carved his own path, whether through his work as a bodyguard, his talents in the arts, or his passion for helping others.

His quiet life after his divorce shows that not everyone seeks fame or public attention. Atila found happiness in his privacy, choosing to make a difference through charity work instead of continuing to live in the spotlight. Sadly, his life was cut short, and the mystery surrounding his death only adds to the intrigue of his story.

Atila Altaunbay may not have been a household name, but his life story reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful lives are the ones lived away from the spotlight. His journey, filled with love, challenges, and personal growth, continues to inspire those who knew him.

(FAQs)

Is Atila Altaunbay still alive?

No, Atila Altaunbay passed away in October 2021 at the age of 45. The cause of his death has never been revealed.

What is Atila Altaunbay’s ethnicity?

Atila Altaunbay was Turkish. He was born in Turkey and later moved to Belgium.

Did Atila Altaunbay have children?

No, Atila did not have children with Grace Jones. However, he was a stepfather to Grace’s son, Paulo Goude.

What was Atila Altaunbay’s net worth?

Atila Altaunbay had an estimated net worth of $800,000, which he earned from his work as a bodyguard, singer, model, and charity worker.

What was Atila Altaunbay’s relationship with Grace Jones?

Atila Altaunbay married Grace Jones in 1996. They stayed married for about eight years before separating in 2004. Although they never officially divorced, they went their separate ways.

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