Attila Altaunbay is best remembered as the former husband of the iconic Jamaican-American singer, model and actress Grace Jones. Born in Turkey in 1976, he rose from a low-profile background to become one half of one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships of the 1990s. His story matters because it offers a rare glimpse into the private life of a global icon, and it continues to fascinate fans who want to know more about the man who briefly stood beside her. This article covers his early life, his relationship with Grace Jones, his career, and what became of him in later years.
Attila Altaunbay: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Attila Altaunbay |
| Known For | Former husband of Grace Jones |
| Born | 1976, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Raised In | Belgium |
| Occupation | Bodyguard, model, singer, actor |
| Spouse | Grace Jones (married 1996, divorced c. 2004) |
| Marriage Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Notable Film | Mind Games |
| Reported Net Worth | Approximately $800,000 |
| Died | 2021 |
| Legacy | Remembered as Grace Jones’ only husband |
Who Was Attila Altaunbay?
Attila Altaunbay was a Turkish-born bodyguard, model and occasional singer who became widely known after marrying Grace Jones in 1996. He grew up in a Muslim family in Turkey before moving to Belgium, where he later crossed paths with the woman who would change the course of his life.
He kept a low public profile both before and after his marriage, which only added to the intrigue surrounding him. Much of what the public knows about Attila comes from Grace Jones herself, particularly through her 2015 memoir, I’ll Never Write My Memoirs.
Early Life and Background
Attila Altaunbay was born in Turkey in 1976. He was raised in a Muslim household and spent a significant part of his youth in Belgium, where his family had settled.
Before fame found him, Attila worked ordinary jobs to get by. Reports indicate he delivered pizzas and later trained as a bodyguard, a profession that would unexpectedly lead him into the orbit of international stardom.
How Did Attila Altaunbay Meet Grace Jones?
Attila met Grace Jones while working as her bodyguard during one of her visits to Belgium. What began as a professional arrangement soon developed into a romantic relationship.
Grace Jones later described him as good-looking and mentioned that he had a talent for singing, often performing at weddings before their relationship began. Their connection grew quickly despite the considerable difference in their ages and backgrounds.
The Marriage to Grace Jones
Attila Altaunbay and Grace Jones married on 24 February 1996 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the time, Attila was around 20 or 21 years old, while Grace was 48, meaning she was roughly 27 years his senior.
A Private Ceremony
The wedding was an intimate affair rather than a lavish celebrity spectacle. Around 50 guests attended the private ceremony, which was officiated by a Presbyterian minister named Rubens Pires. Grace reportedly wore a white lace bustier paired with fitted white trousers for the occasion.
Why Their Relationship Made Headlines
The age gap between the couple drew significant media attention once it became public. The pair had initially tried to keep their romance private, but Grace Jones’ fame made that increasingly difficult. Notably, Attila remains the only man Grace Jones has ever married, which adds a unique significance to their union within her personal history.
Career and Life During the Marriage
Being married to a global star opened doors for Attila that would otherwise have remained closed. He moved into modelling and picked up acting roles, including a part in the film Mind Games. He also continued exploring music and theatre, building a small creative career alongside his marriage.
His life away from bodyguard work reflected a broader shift from anonymity to a modest form of celebrity, driven almost entirely by his connection to Grace Jones rather than independent fame.
Why Did Attila Altaunbay and Grace Jones Divorce?
The marriage lasted approximately seven to eight years before the couple separated, with reports pointing to 2004 as when their relationship formally ended. Several accounts suggest the relationship grew strained over time, and some reports reference a frightening incident involving a knife that reportedly damaged trust between them.
Despite the split, some sources note that Attila remained a quiet presence in Grace’s life afterwards, and the pair are said to have stayed on relatively amicable terms following the divorce.
Life After Grace Jones
Following the divorce, Attila Altaunbay stepped away from public life almost entirely. He settled back into a private existence in Belgium, distancing himself from the spotlight that his marriage had briefly brought him.
Reports indicate he continued working in ordinary employment after the relationship ended, choosing a quiet life over any attempt to capitalise on his past fame. He was reportedly not active on social media, further reinforcing his preference for privacy.
Attila Altaunbay’s Death
Attila Altaunbay reportedly passed away in 2021. Details surrounding his death remain limited, as he had long since retreated from public attention, and his family never publicly commented on the specifics. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at around $800,000, largely built through his work as a bodyguard, model and singer.
Conclusion
Attila Altaunbay’s story is a striking example of how an ordinary life can intersect briefly, and unforgettably, with fame. From a bodyguard in Belgium to the husband of Grace Jones, his journey took him through modelling, acting and a marriage that captured public curiosity for years. Though he chose privacy over prolonged celebrity, his connection to Grace Jones ensures his name remains part of her story, and his own, long after their marriage ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Attila Altaunbay?
Attila Altaunbay was a Turkish bodyguard, model and singer best known as the former husband of singer and actress Grace Jones. He married Jones in 1996 after meeting her while working as her bodyguard.
How did Attila Altaunbay meet Grace Jones?
Attila met Grace Jones while serving as her bodyguard during one of her visits to Belgium. Their professional relationship developed into a romance that eventually led to marriage.
When did Attila Altaunbay and Grace Jones get married?
The couple married on 24 February 1996 in a private ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Around 50 guests attended, and the ceremony was officiated by a Presbyterian minister.
Why did Attila Altaunbay and Grace Jones divorce?
The couple separated after roughly seven to eight years of marriage, with the split reportedly finalised around 2004. Reports suggest tension built up over time, including an incident that damaged trust between them.
Is Attila Altaunbay still alive?
No, Attila Altaunbay reportedly passed away in 2021. He had lived a private life away from the public eye following his divorce from Grace Jones.
