Few figures in popular culture have left an impression as enduring, provocative, and multifaceted as Grace Jones. An icon who effortlessly bridges music, fashion, and film, Grace Jones is as much known for her distinctive roles in cult-classic movies as for her towering stage persona and striking beauty. In this article, we explore her filmography, her fascinating life story, her relationships with Atila Altaunbay and Dolph Lundgren, and the enigma that is Grace Jones now.
Who Is Grace Jones?
Grace Beverly Jones was born on May 19, 1948, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. She later moved to Syracuse, New York, with her family, where she grew up in a strict religious household. Her early life was shaped by Pentecostal beliefs, which later fueled her rebellious artistic energy. Her career started in modeling during the 1970s in New York and Paris, where she quickly became known for her androgynous beauty, commanding presence, and futuristic fashion sense.
Jones became the muse of fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Kenzo, and appeared on the covers of Elle and Vogue. But it wasn’t just fashion she was destined to conquer. Grace Jones transitioned into music and acting, becoming a boundary-breaking figure across multiple disciplines.
Grace Jones Age and Height
As of 2025, Grace Jones is 76 years old, having been born in 1948. Despite her age, she remains active and defiant of conventional norms. She stands at 5 feet 8 inches (approximately 173 cm), but her towering heels and fierce demeanor often make her seem even taller. Her lean, chiseled frame and strong jawline have always made her a fashion designer’s dream—and an unforgettable screen presence.
Grace Jones Movies: A Cinematic Journey
Grace Jones made her mark in Hollywood with a number of cult classic movies, known for her fierce, mysterious, and often supernatural characters. Here are some of her most iconic performances:
1. Conan the Destroyer (1984)
In this sword-and-sorcery fantasy film, Grace Jones played Zula, a fearsome warrior who joins forces with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan. Her performance was physical, commanding, and utterly unforgettable. Zula’s wild look—complete with a mohawk and animal skins—has since become a cosplay staple.
2. A View to a Kill (1985)
Grace played the villainous henchwoman May Day in this James Bond film, opposite Roger Moore. Her performance was powerful and enigmatic, breaking stereotypes about what a Bond girl could be. The film may have been Moore’s last, but Jones’s presence gave it a contemporary edge. The role earned her a Saturn Award nomination.
3. Vamp (1986)
In Vamp, Jones portrayed Katrina, a silent vampire queen who dances in a surreal, neon-lit club. Though she had minimal dialogue, her magnetic screen presence spoke volumes. The film became a cult classic and solidified her status as a genre icon.
4. Boomerang (1992)
Grace played a hilarious and exaggerated version of herself named Strangé in this romantic comedy alongside Eddie Murphy. The role satirized the fashion world and allowed her to showcase her comic timing. Strangé remains one of the most quoted characters in early ’90s cinema.
5. Straight to Hell (1987) and Siesta (1987)
Jones also starred in several lesser-known but artistically rich films in the 1980s, often in supporting or symbolic roles that showcased her visual and musical style.
6. Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami (2017)
This deeply personal documentary captured Grace behind the scenes and on stage, blending performance footage with intimate moments from her life. It revealed the human behind the myth and was well received by critics for its raw, cinéma vérité style.
Grace Jones Songs: The Sonic Edge of the 80s
Grace Jones’s music is as genre-bending as her persona. She began with disco and moved toward new wave, reggae, funk, and industrial rock. Her voice—deep, contralto, and unapologetically raw—redefined femininity in pop music.
Notable Songs Include:
- “Slave to the Rhythm” (1985): Perhaps her most famous song, this track is a sonic experience of funk, disco, and avant-garde visuals.
- “Pull Up to the Bumper” (1981): Known for its suggestive lyrics, this reggae-funk classic was a chart-topper.
- “Private Life” (1980): A cover of a Pretenders song that she made her own, layered with cool detachment and anger.
- “Love is the Drug” (1980): Her take on the Roxy Music classic, full of seductive energy and androgynous flair.
- “I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango)” (1981): A haunting multilingual hit blending tango with noir elements.
Jones has influenced artists like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Beyoncé with her fearless approach to music and fashion.
Grace Jones Now: The Present-Day Goddess
Even in her 70s, Grace Jones remains a cultural force. She performed at the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012—hula-hooping on stage at 64 years old—and curated the Meltdown Festival in 2022 in the UK. She was also featured on Beyoncé’s album Renaissance (2022), proving her relevance across generations.
Jones continues to make rare but powerful appearances, whether performing at art festivals, giving interviews, or collaborating with artists. Though she hasn’t acted in a major film recently, the anticipation for any future project remains high.
Her autobiography, “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs”, was released in 2015 and remains one of the most revealing glimpses into her complex, contradictory personality.
Atila Altaunbay: Grace Jones’ Mysterious Husband
Grace Jones was married to Atila Altaunbay, a Turkish bodyguard who was reportedly 18 years her junior. They married in 1996. The relationship drew media attention due to the age gap, cultural differences, and Jones’s dominating persona.
Their marriage lasted until around 2004, though no official divorce was ever confirmed. Altaunbay lived a private life after their separation and reportedly passed away in 2021, as per scattered online sources. He had served as Chairman of Helping Hands Belgium, a humanitarian organization, before his death.
The relationship highlighted Jones’s fierce independence and resistance to traditional roles, even in marriage.
Grace Jones and Dolph Lundgren: The 80s Power Couple
Before Atila, Grace Jones was in a highly publicized relationship with Dolph Lundgren, the Swedish martial artist and actor best known for his role as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. Jones allegedly discovered Lundgren while he was working as a bodyguard.
They became one of the most iconic couples of the 1980s—both statuesque, impossibly glamorous, and physically powerful. Jones even helped launch Lundgren’s acting career, securing him a role in A View to a Kill. The pair eventually split, but their short-lived romance became part of 80s pop culture lore.
Grace Jones’ Legacy
From the silver screen to the concert stage and the fashion runway, Grace Jones defies classification. She is a true original—an artist who never fit neatly into any box. Her music, movies, and persona have made her a cultural blueprint, inspiring generations of musicians, designers, and filmmakers.
In a world where celebrities often fade with age, Grace Jones is the exception. She remains timeless, ageless, and without peer, with an influence that can be seen across global pop culture.
As she herself said in her autobiography:
“I don’t live my life through other people’s eyes. I don’t care what you see. I live by my own definitions.”
And that—unapologetically—is the essence of Grace Jones.
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