Celebrity

Atila Altaunbay – The Bodyguard Who Became Grace Jones’ Husband

Have you ever heard of a love story that reads like a plot from a Hollywood movie? Meet Atila Altaunbay – a man whose life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with the iconic Grace Jones. A bodyguard by profession, Atila’s world changed forever when he fell in love with the woman he was hired to protect.

This is the tale of an ordinary man who found himself in an extraordinary love story, marrying one of the most flamboyant and dynamic entertainers of our time. Dive into the journey of Atila Altaunbay, the bodyguard who became much more than a protector – he became a husband, a partner, and a part of celebrity history.

Table of Contents

Birth, Parents and Education

Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in the beautiful country of Turkey, and comes from a Muslim family. As a young boy, he grew up in Belgium, which added a European flavor to his upbringing. When it comes to his parents, details are a bit scarce, but we know that he was born to Mr. and Mrs. Altaunbay.

They likely played a significant role in his early life, instilling in him the values and culture of his Turkish heritage. Atila received his education in his hometown in Turkey and subsequently pursued the development of additional skills, ultimately leading to his career as a bodyguard. This career choice set him on a path that would later intersect with fame when he met Grace Jones.

Career

Before the spotlight found him, Atila was delivering pizzas in Belgium. His life took a dramatic turn when he transitioned into a bodyguard, a role that would lead him to meet the legendary Grace Jones.

But Atila’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He ventured into the world of acting and modeling, showcasing his versatility and passion for the arts. His acting debut came with the movie Mind Games, and he also graced various roles in stage plays.

In addition to his on-screen presence, Atila explored his musical side by taking singing classes and performing at weddings. Despite his marriage to Grace Jones thrusting him into the limelight, Atila has maintained a level of privacy concerning his personal endeavors post their relationship.

Love Story & Marriage

The story of Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones is quite the romantic tale. They met in Belgium, where Atila’s striking looks and loyal demeanor as a bodyguard caught the attention of the iconic performer. Despite a significant age gap of 27 years, their connection was undeniable. In 1996, their relationship took a serious turn.

While in Brazil, Grace Jones proposed to Atila, and they got married on February 24, 1996, in an elopement-style ceremony. Their wedding was a private affair, held in a residence in the Presbyterian Ministry Area of Rio De Janeiro, with only 50 guests in attendance.

However, their marriage faced challenges from the start. Atila’s family did not accept the union due to cultural and age differences, leading him to sever ties with them. Moreover, they later discovered that the priest who conducted their wedding was gay, which went against the norms of the church they had chosen.

Due to this, they were required to repeat their wedding promises, with Grace’s father leading the ceremony in their home in Syracuse. Their union lasted for a duration of eight years, during which Atila’s life became closely connected to the entertainment industry through his former spouse’s profession. Despite facing public scrutiny, Atila has managed to maintain a level of confidentiality regarding his life after his split from Grace.

Separation

Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones’ marriage came to an end in 2004 after a significant altercation. It’s reported that during a disagreement, Atila pulled a knife on Grace, which led to their separation. However, despite the separation, they have not legally completed a divorce and remain married on paper.

After Atila and Grace split up, Atila chose to stay out of the public eye. We don’t know much about what he’s been up to since then. Grace, however, kept being her fabulous self, staying famous as a singer, actress, and model. She’s still out there doing her thing, while Atila prefers to keep his life private.

Grace Jones

Born on May 19, 1948, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, she moved to Syracuse, New York, with her family as a teenager. Grace began her professional journey as a model in both New York and Paris, collaborating with renowned designers and gracing the covers of esteemed publications such as Elle and Vogue.

However, Grace’s talents extend beyond modeling; she is also a gifted singer and actress. She began her music career in 1977 and quickly became known for hits like “Private Life” and “Pull Up to the Bumper”. Her unique style mixed R&B, disco, reggae, and more, making her a standout figure in the music world.

In movies, Grace made a lasting impression with roles in films like “Conan the Destroyer,” “A View to a Kill,” and “Vamp”. Her bold personality and striking appearance have made her a symbol of empowerment and creativity. Throughout her career, Grace has inspired many artists and continues to be a powerful presence in the entertainment industry.

Social Media

Atila Altaunbay has chosen to keep his life private and is not active on social media. He prefers to stay away from the limelight, which is why you won’t find him on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Grace Jones, however, embraces her public persona and has a strong presence on social media. She uses these platforms to connect with fans, share updates on her work, and give a glimpse into her life.