Have you ever heard of Atila Altaunbay? Most people know him as the ex-husband of legendary singer Grace Jones. But there’s so much more to his story. From his early life in Turkey to his work as a bodyguard and philanthropist, let’s take a closer look at the man behind the headlines.
Who Is Atila Altaunbay?
Atila Altaunbay was a man of many talents. He was a bodyguard, model, singer, and philanthropist. But he’s best known for his marriage to legendary singer and actress Grace Jones. Altaunbay was born in Turkey in 1976. When he was a child, his family moved to Belgium. There, he focused on his education and learned valuable skills like CPR, using an AED, and martial arts. These abilities would later serve him well in his career as a bodyguard.
Before meeting Grace Jones, Altaunbay worked several jobs to make ends meet. He even delivered pizzas for a time. But his life changed forever when he took a job as Grace Jones’ bodyguard at a Belgian club in the late 1980s.
Early Life And Background
Growing up in Belgium, Altaunbay had a diverse upbringing. As an immigrant from Turkey, he likely faced challenges adapting to a new culture and language. But he persevered and built a strong foundation through his education and training.
Learning life-saving skills at a young age shows Altaunbay had a sense of responsibility and desire to help others from the start. His martial arts training also reflects discipline and a protective instinct. These qualities undoubtedly shaped his character and career path.
While the details of his childhood are not well-known, it’s clear Altaunbay’s experiences in Belgium played a key role in his development. Overcoming obstacles as an immigrant may have given him the strength and adaptability to navigate the challenges he would later face in life.
Career And Professional Life
Before his high-profile marriage, Altaunbay worked hard to establish himself professionally. He took on various jobs, even delivering pizzas, as he built his career. His background in security and martial arts eventually led him to work as a bodyguard. This challenging and sometimes dangerous profession requires quick thinking, bravery, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
As a bodyguard, Altaunbay had the opportunity to work in exciting environments like clubs and events. It was at one such club in Belgium where he fatefully crossed paths with Grace Jones. His skills and professionalism likely caught Jones’ eye and led her to trust him as her personal bodyguard. Little did either of them know this working relationship would blossom into a whirlwind romance and marriage.
Marriage To Grace Jones
When Atila Altaunbay met Grace Jones, sparks flew. Jones, a famous model, singer, and actress, was almost 30 years older than Altaunbay. But their connection was undeniable. What started as a professional arrangement, with Altaunbay serving as Jones’ bodyguard, quickly turned romantic. The couple tied the knot on February 24, 1996 in an intimate ceremony.
For Altaunbay, marrying a celebrity like Jones thrust him into the spotlight overnight. He went from working behind the scenes as a bodyguard to being one half of a famous couple. This drastic change came with perks but also intense scrutiny.
Despite the fairy tale beginning, trouble soon arose in the marriage. The couple’s significant age gap and different cultural backgrounds created friction. Jones’ career also kept her in the public eye and surrounded by other men, which likely put a strain on the relationship.
Their Relationship and Challenges
No marriage is perfect, and Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones’ union was no exception. The couple faced a myriad of issues that tested their bond. Their 27-year age difference was a significant hurdle. With Jones nearing 50 and Altaunbay in his early 20s when they wed, they were at very different life stages. This disparity could have contributed to disagreements and misunderstandings.
As a Turkish immigrant raised in Belgium and a Jamaican-American celebrity, Altaunbay and Jones also had vastly different backgrounds. Navigating cultural differences is a common challenge for intercultural couples.
Jones’ interactions with other men, likely due to her career in entertainment, also put a strain on the marriage. Jealousy and mistrust can easily sour a relationship, especially in the high-pressure world of celebrity.
Sadly, these issues eventually drove the couple apart. A particularly disturbing alleged incident involved Altaunbay threatening Jones with a knife. After a tumultuous time, they separated in 2004, eight years after their storybook wedding.
The dissolution of the marriage was no doubt painful for both Altaunbay and Jones. But their story reflects the very real challenges that can arise in any relationship, particularly one in the harsh glare of the spotlight.
Life in the Public Eye
During his marriage to Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay experienced the ups and downs of fame. Being the husband of such a high-profile star meant constant media scrutiny. Every aspect of their relationship was analyzed and reported on.
While Atila generally stayed out of the limelight, his association with Grace meant living life in the public eye to some degree. It undoubtedly put a strain on their marriage and personal lives.
Personal Life After Divorce
After separating from Grace, Atila largely retreated from the public eye. He moved back to Belgium and focused on other pursuits. Interestingly, Atila and Grace reportedly never legally divorced, even though they split up in 2004. In his later years, Atila dedicated himself to philanthropy. He became the chairman of an organization called Helping Hands Belgium, which fights poverty and inequality. This charitable work became a major priority in his life.
Where Is Atila Altaunbay Now?
Sadly, Atila Altaunbay passed away in October 2021 at the age of 45. His death was announced by the Helping Hands Belgium organization, although they did not disclose the cause.
Atila’s funeral was held at a mosque in Antwerp, Belgium. His family and loved ones gathered to pay their respects and remember his life. While he may be gone, his impact and memory live on.
Final Thoughts
Atila Altaunbay lived an eventful life in his 45 years. From his challenging marriage to Grace Jones to his later philanthropic efforts, he packed a lot into a relatively short time. Although he’s often remembered as a celebrity spouse, there was much more to Atila than his famous ex-wife. He cared about making a difference and giving back to his community. In many ways, his post-fame life was just as noteworthy as his time in the spotlight.
So while Atila Altaunbay’s story may have ended too soon, his legacy endures. He reminds us that there’s always more to a person than what the headlines say. Rest in peace, Atila.
