Who Was Atila Altaunbay? Grace Jones’ Husband’s Hidden Life

Have you ever heard the name Atila Altaunbay and wondered who he really was? Most people know him only as the man who married the world-famous singer and actress Grace Jones. But Atila’s life was much more than just that. His story is full of surprises — from working simple jobs in Belgium to becoming the husband of a global celebrity.

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through Atila Altaunbay’s life. We’ll talk about where he came from, how he met Grace Jones, what happened during their marriage, and how his life ended in mystery. Let’s start from the very beginning.

Atila Altaunbay Quick Bio

Where Was Atila Altaunbay Born?

Atila Altaunbay was born in 1976 in Turkey. He came from a strict Muslim family, where tradition and respect were very important. But he didn’t grow up in Turkey for long. When he was still young, his family moved to Belgium, and that’s where most of his early life was spent.

He didn’t talk much about his family in public, so we don’t know much about his parents or if he had brothers or sisters. But it’s clear that his early years were shaped by strong cultural values and rules.

Like many young people, Atila didn’t enjoy school very much. He wasn’t interested in studying and eventually dropped out. Instead, he focused on something else — building his physical strength and learning skills that would later change his life.

What Did He Do Before Fame?

Before anyone knew his name, Atila Altaunbay lived a very normal life. He worked as a pizza delivery boy in Belgium, just like many other young people trying to make a living. But Atila had bigger goals. He wanted to do something that used his strength and energy.

So, he trained in CPR, AED, and martial arts. These skills helped him get a new job — working as a professional bodyguard. This role was perfect for Atila. He was serious, loyal, and physically strong — all the things needed to protect someone important.

He didn’t know it yet, but this job would soon take him into the world of celebrities. It would lead him straight to Grace Jones — and change his life forever.

How Did Atila Altaunbay Meet Grace Jones?

The story of how Atila Altaunbay met Grace Jones sounds like something from a movie.

One night in the late 1980s or early 1990s, Atila was working as a bodyguard at a club in Belgium. That night, Grace Jones was at the same club. She noticed Atila right away — tall, handsome, and serious about his job. According to Tuko.co.ke, she was impressed and offered him a better-paying job as her personal bodyguard.

They started working closely together, and their relationship quickly grew stronger. Atila was respectful, protective, and quiet — very different from the loud world Grace was used to. Soon, their bond turned into love.

Not long after, Grace surprised everyone by proposing to Atila during a trip to Rio de Janeiro. It was unexpected, especially since there was a huge age gap between them, but they didn’t care. They were in love, and that’s all that mattered at the time.

When Did Atila and Grace Get Married?

Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones got married on February 24, 1996, in a private ceremony in Rio. At the time, Atila was just 21 years old, and Grace was 48 — a 27-year age difference. This surprised many people, and some even criticized their relationship. But the couple didn’t let that stop them.

Their wedding was beautiful but very private. Later, they had to do the ceremony again in New York, because there were some issues with the first officiant. This time, Grace’s father performed the wedding in Syracuse.

But not everyone was happy about the marriage. Atila’s family, especially from his Muslim background, did not support the wedding. One reason was tradition — in his culture, younger brothers were not allowed to marry before their older brothers. Atila went against that tradition, and it caused a lot of tension. He cut ties with his family after marrying Grace.

Still, Atila chose love over family pressure. For a while, he and Grace tried to build a life together, despite the challenges.

Why Was Their Marriage So Difficult?

At first, things seemed good. Atila and Grace kept most of their married life private. But over time, their relationship started to face many problems.

Grace was a big star — always traveling, always in the spotlight. Atila, on the other hand, liked privacy and peace. Their personalities didn’t always match.

Also, Atila had a hard time dealing with how other men looked at or talked to Grace. He started becoming jealous and controlling, according to stories shared in Grace’s own book. He didn’t like how friendly she was with others, especially men.

Even though they didn’t have kids together, Atila played an important role in Grace’s son Paulo Goude’s life. Paulo was Grace’s son from her previous relationship, and Atila became a father figure to him.

But emotional stress and cultural differences kept building up, and soon, it would all come crashing down.

What Went Wrong Between Them?

Now we come to the part of the story that turned things upside down.

According to reports, one day during a fight in the kitchen, Atila Altaunbay pulled a knife on Grace. No one was hurt, but that moment changed everything. It was the final straw. After that, Atila walked out of Grace’s life and never returned.

They were never legally divorced because Grace said she couldn’t find him afterward. She tried to reach him, but he disappeared completely. In her view, their marriage was over. And just like that, the man who once stood beside her in the spotlight was gone.

What Did Atila Altaunbay Do After the Breakup?

After leaving Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay completely disappeared from public life. He didn’t give interviews. He didn’t try to explain his side of the story. He just walked away.

So where did he go? According to Tuko.co.ke, Atila returned to Belgium, where he had spent most of his youth. He chose a life away from cameras, reporters, and fame. Many people tried to find out where he was or what he was doing, but Atila stayed silent.

Grace Jones herself said she couldn’t reach him again. Even though they were still legally married, he was simply gone. This added more mystery to his life. Some even wondered if he had changed his name or moved to another country. But the truth was that he just wanted to be left alone.

Did Atila Altaunbay Have Any Hidden Talents?

Yes — and they were quite surprising!

Even before he became known as Grace Jones’ husband, Atila Altaunbay had a love for the arts. He wasn’t just a strong bodyguard. He was also a singer, a model, and even an actor.

He took singing classes in Belgium and often performed at weddings and private events. People who saw him said he had a good voice and loved music. He enjoyed entertaining others, but never chased fame like Grace did.

He also acted in a movie called Mind Games. It wasn’t a big film, but it showed another side of Atila — someone who could be on stage and in front of a camera. These talents made him more than just “Grace Jones’ ex-husband.” He had a creative side that many people didn’t know about.

Was Atila Altaunbay Involved in Helping Others?

Yes, and this part of his life really stood out.

After his time in the spotlight, Atila Altaunbay joined a charity group called Helping Hands Belgium. He didn’t just volunteer — he became the group’s president. His job was to support people who were poor, sick, or going through hard times.

He was known for being kind and helpful. Even though he wasn’t famous anymore, he made a big difference in people’s lives. The group posted about his efforts on Facebook, saying they were proud to work with him.

Helping others became his new mission. It gave him purpose and peace after all the drama from his past.

What Was Atila Altaunbay’s Net Worth?

Before he passed away, Atila Altaunbay had a net worth of around $800,000, as reported by sources like Vents Magazine.

He earned money through:

• His work as a professional bodyguard

• His small but steady jobs as a model and singer

• His short career in acting

Even though his name was linked to a global superstar, Atila didn’t live a flashy life. He preferred to keep things simple. Unlike Grace Jones, whose net worth is around $7 million, Atila lived quietly and saved what he earned.

When and How Did Atila Altaunbay Die?

Atila Altaunbay passed away in October 2021 at the age of 45. His death shocked many people, not just because he was still young, but because the news came out of nowhere.

According to Tuko.co.ke, the news was shared by Helping Hands Belgium, the charity group where he worked. They posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, calling him a leader and a brother. His funeral was held at the Antwerpen Mehmet Akif Mosque, with close family and friends attending.

But here’s the strange part: no one ever confirmed the cause of his death. Some believe it was natural. Others wonder if there was more to the story. Since Atila had kept his life so private, many people are still asking — what really happened to him?

Final Thoughts

Atila Altaunbay’s story is one of mystery, love, and change. He started off delivering pizzas and ended up marrying one of the world’s most famous women. But fame didn’t bring him happiness. In the end, he chose peace, privacy, and helping others.

Even though he lived in the shadow of Grace Jones, Atila had his own story. He was more than just her husband. He was a kind-hearted man with real talents and a desire to do good.

His life ended quietly, and many questions remain. But one thing is clear — Atila Altaunbay lived a life that was far more interesting than most people know.

(FAQs)

What happened between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones?

Atila married Grace Jones in 1996, but their relationship ended after he reportedly pulled a knife on her during an argument. They separated and were never officially divorced.

What was the cause of Atila Altaunbay’s death?

Atila Altaunbay died in October 2021 at the age of 45. The exact cause of his death has never been shared, leaving many people confused and curious.

How much was Atila Altaunbay worth before he died?

At the time of his death, Atila Altaunbay had an estimated net worth of $800,000, earned through modeling, singing, acting, and bodyguard work.

Did Atila Altaunbay really disappear after the breakup?

Yes. After leaving Grace Jones, he disappeared from public life. Grace herself said she could never contact him again, and no one knew where he went.

Was Atila Altaunbay more than just a bodyguard?

Yes, he was also a singer and actor. He performed at weddings, took singing lessons, and acted in a film called Mind Games.

Other Articles You May Read:

Who Is Carlos Scola Pliego? Meet Sade Adu’s Mysterious Ex-Husband

Who Is Gina Carano’s Husband? The Truth About Her Long Love Story

Meet Seung Yong Chung: Diane Farr’s Ex-Husband and Business Star