When the name Atila Altaunbay is mentioned, it’s often followed by a flurry of curiosity: Who is Atila Altaunbay? What happened to him? Where is he now? Best known as the enigmatic and elusive husband of legendary singer and model Grace Jones, Atila’s life has fascinated the public for decades. His story is one of mystery, culture clashes, love, and quiet retreat from fame. This article dives deep into the life of Atila Altaunbay, exploring his background, marriage, family ties, and the circumstances that led to his disappearance from the public eye.
Early Life: A Turkish-Belgian Beginning
Born in 1976 in Turkey, Atila Altaunbay was raised in a traditional Muslim family, deeply rooted in conservative values. His early life was not under any spotlight—his name wouldn’t become widely known until much later. As a young boy, he was expected to follow cultural norms, which included marrying only after his older siblings and upholding strict familial customs.
In pursuit of better opportunities, Atila moved to Belgium, where he lived for several years. There, he began working modest jobs to make ends meet. One of his earliest known roles was as a pizza delivery boy, a humble beginning for someone who would soon enter one of the most glamorous worlds imaginable.
However, Atila didn’t remain in small roles for long. His physical stature, charisma, and good looks helped him transition into the world of modeling and singing, although these pursuits never led him to mainstream fame. Eventually, his build and demeanor earned him a job as a bodyguard—a role that would lead him into the orbit of international fame.
The Unexpected Romance: Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones
Atila’s life took a dramatic turn when he met Grace Jones, the Jamaican-American icon known for her fierce style, commanding presence, and multi-faceted career as a singer, actress, and model. At the time, he was working as her bodyguard, a position that put him in close, daily contact with the star.
Their professional relationship quickly blossomed into something more. Despite a 27-year age gap—Grace was nearly 48 while Atila was only 21—the two fell in love. Their romance shocked both fans and insiders, partly because of the age difference, but also because of the cultural divide between them.
Against all odds and cultural barriers, Grace Jones proposed to Atila. They married on February 24, 1996, in a private Presbyterian ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, the officiant was later revealed to be a gay minister not officially sanctioned to conduct weddings by the church, so the couple held a second wedding in Syracuse, New York, officiated by Grace’s own father, who was a pastor.
Their marriage was as unconventional as their meeting, breaking norms on multiple fronts: religion, age, fame, and culture.
Cultural Conflict and Family Estrangement
The union was not without controversy. Atila Altaunbay’s family strongly opposed the marriage, primarily due to their cultural traditions. Being the youngest son, Atila was expected to marry only after his older siblings, a rule embedded deeply in their familial hierarchy. His decision to marry an older, non-Muslim, internationally famous woman defied those expectations. This led to Atila being estranged from his family, a painful price he paid for following his heart.
This estrangement reportedly haunted Atila throughout his marriage. The lack of familial support added pressure to a relationship already under immense public scrutiny.
A Complex Relationship and Sudden Disappearance
While their marriage lasted approximately eight years, it was not without turmoil. Grace Jones, known for her bold personality, described Atila as a “jealous” man in her memoir I’ll Never Write My Memoirs. Tensions grew between the couple, leading to a violent argument, during which Atila reportedly pulled a knife on Grace in a moment of rage. This incident marked the end of their relationship.
After the altercation, Atila Altaunbay disappeared from public life. Although the couple never officially divorced, Grace stated that she could not track him down in order to legally dissolve the marriage. His sudden withdrawal from the public eye only added to the enigma surrounding him.
Life After Grace: Where is Atila Altaunbay Now?
Following his departure from Grace’s life, Atila Altaunbay chose a life of quiet retreat. He reportedly moved back to Antwerp, Belgium, where he lived a low-profile life far from media attention. Unlike many who experience a brush with fame, he didn’t try to leverage it for further notoriety.
Interestingly, Atila took on a philanthropic role, serving as the president of Helping Hands Belgium, a charitable organization focused on aiding those in need. This period of his life suggests that he may have sought redemption and a meaningful way to contribute to society.
However, this chapter was short-lived.
Tragic End: Atila Altaunbay’s Death
In October 2021, news surfaced that Atila Altaunbay had passed away at the age of 45. His death was confirmed by Helping Hands Belgium through a somber Facebook post. The cause of death was never publicly disclosed, adding another layer to the mystery that had always surrounded him.
His funeral was held at the Mehmet Akif Mosque in Antwerp, attended by his remaining family and friends. Grace Jones has never publicly commented on his death, and little more is known about the final years of his life.
Atila Altaunbay’s Legacy: A Man of Contrasts
Atila Altaunbay’s story is a complex tapestry of contrasts. He was a traditional Turkish son turned European artist, a bodyguard turned celebrity husband, and later a recluse turned philanthropist. He captured headlines not by seeking fame, but by being caught in the whirlwind of it.
Though much of his life remains shrouded in mystery, what’s clear is that Atila Altaunbay was more than just “Grace Jones’ husband.” He was a man who took risks for love, endured cultural and personal struggles, and ultimately chose a life of privacy and service over fame.
Family, Age, Birthday, and Personal Life Recap
- Full Name: Atila Altaunbay
- Date of Birth: 1976 (exact birthday undisclosed)
- Age at Death: 45 years old
- Nationality: Turkish-Belgian
- Occupation: Former bodyguard, model, singer, philanthropist
- Wife: Grace Jones (married 1996, separated around 2004)
- Children: No biological children; stepfather to Paulo Goude
- Current Status: Deceased (October 2021)
Final Thoughts
The story of Atila Altaunbay is not one of glamor or infamy—it’s a human tale of transformation, identity, love, and loss. His time in the spotlight was brief but deeply impactful, intersecting with one of the most iconic women in entertainment. As time passes, his story reminds us that behind every public figure is a life filled with nuance, struggles, and the desire for meaning.
For more human stories like this, visit our blog at [Infory]—where we uncover lives lived in the margins of fame.