Who Is Atila Altaunbay: A Look At The Mysterious Life Of Grace Jones’ Ex-Husband

Atila Altaunbay was a Turkish model, singer, bodyguard, and actor who gained fame as the ex-husband of iconic Jamaican singer and actress Grace Jones. His unexpected death in 2021 left many fans questioning the circumstances surrounding it, adding to the intrigue of his life story. In this article, we delve into Atila’s early life, career, and the details of his relationship with Grace Jones, as well as the mystery surrounding his passing.

Who Was Atila Altaunbay?

Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in Turkey. While little is known about his family background, it’s clear that his early life was shaped by his upbringing in a strict Muslim household. Atila spent part of his childhood in Belgium, where he attended school but quickly grew disinterested in academics. Instead, he focused on developing his physical fitness, which later became the foundation of his career as a bodyguard.

Atila Altaunbay’s Age, Height, and Appearance

Atila was 49 years old in 2025, had he been alive. At the time of his marriage to Grace Jones in 1996, Atila was just 20, and Grace was 48, creating a significant age gap that sparked public interest. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Atila had a well-maintained physique, weighing approximately 65 kg. His striking features—dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a handsome appearance—made him a successful model in his younger years.

Atila Altaunbay’s Career as a Bodyguard

Atila’s professional journey took a non-traditional path. Instead of following the academic route, he honed his physical strength and became skilled in areas such as CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and martial arts. His commitment to fitness and discipline led him to a career as a bodyguard, where he worked for several high-profile individuals, including celebrities.

In addition to his bodyguard work, Atila also dabbled in various jobs, including pizza delivery, singing, modelling, and performing at weddings. It was through his bodyguard work that he met Grace Jones, marking the beginning of his rise to fame.

Atila Altaunbay’s Acting Career

Thanks to his connection with Grace Jones, Atila found opportunities in the entertainment industry. His marriage to Grace opened doors for him to act in films, TV shows, and theatre productions. Atila’s debut film, Mind Games, marked a successful start to his acting career, but his fame was largely tied to his marriage to the renowned singer. Despite the public attention, Atila and Grace’s relationship ultimately ended in divorce after a little over seven years.

After the split, Atila retreated from the spotlight and pursued a more private life, working a regular job away from the entertainment industry.

How Did Atila Meet Grace Jones?

Atila’s life took a dramatic turn in the mid-1990s when he met Grace Jones. At the time, he was working as a bodyguard at a nightclub. His physical presence, combined with his discipline and loyalty, made him the ideal candidate for the job. Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a personal one, despite their 28-year age gap. Grace Jones proposed to Atila in Rio de Janeiro, and their whirlwind romance quickly led to marriage.

Atila and Grace’s Marriage

On February 24, 1996, Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones married in a private ceremony. Atila was just 20 years old, while Grace was 48. Their union caused a stir due to the significant age difference and the cultural contrasts between them. Atila, from a traditional Muslim family, faced opposition from his relatives, which led to strained family relationships. In the end, Atila distanced himself from his family to pursue his life with Grace.

The Reason for Divorce

While Atila and Grace’s marriage started out strong, several challenges surfaced over the years. Grace Jones revealed that Atila’s anger issues became a significant problem, particularly when he threatened her with a weapon during an argument in their kitchen. In her biography, Grace also mentioned that their age difference contributed to the strain in their relationship. Ultimately, their marriage ended in divorce in the early 2000s, due to jealousy and controlling behaviour.

Children

Although Atila and Grace did not have any children together, Atila played a significant role in the life of Grace’s son, Paulo Goude, whom she had with French artist Jean-Paul Goude.

Atila Altaunbay’s Net Worth

At the time of his death, Atila Altaunbay’s net worth was estimated to be around $800,000. He earned his wealth through various endeavours, including his bodyguard work, modelling, singing, and acting. In contrast, his ex-wife, Grace Jones, had a much higher net worth of approximately $7 million, built from her extensive career in music, acting, and modelling.

The Mystery of Atila Altaunbay’s Death

Atila Altaunbay tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 45. However, the cause of his death remains unclear, with no official statements released by his family or Grace Jones. His passing was announced on Facebook, but the circumstances surrounding it have remained a mystery, leading to ongoing speculation among fans.

Conclusion

Atila Altaunbay’s life was marked by unexpected twists, from his work as a bodyguard to his marriage to the world-famous Grace Jones. Their high-profile relationship, though full of passion, could not survive the pressures of anger, cultural differences, and their age gap. After their divorce, Atila chose to live a more private life, focusing on personal pursuits.

His untimely death in 2021, however, left more questions than answers, adding a layer of mystery to an already intriguing life. Atila Altaunbay’s legacy lives on, albeit shrouded in uncertainty, as fans continue to reflect on his journey and the life he led.