| Real Name: | Atila Altaunbay |
| Birthday: | 1976 |
| Height: | $800,000 |
| Net Worth | 168 cm |
| Occupation: | Turkish Bodyguard, Model, Former Husband of Grace Jones |
Atila Altaunbay’s life took a fascinating turn when his path crossed with the iconic Jamaican singer, Grace Jones. The Turkish model was born in 1976 into a Muslim family. He went from delivering pizzas to becoming Jones’s bodyguard, and ultimately, her husband.
Their wedding in 1996 was embroiled with attention due to their age difference and diverse cultural backgrounds. Altaunbay was 24 years old, half the age of Jones, when they tied the knot.
The relationship between Altaunbay and Jones was intriguing to the public, marked by passion and disputes that once escalated to a knife fight in 2004. Despite these challenges, the two have remained legally married, though they are not together, shedding light on the complexities of personal relationships in the spotlight.
Atila maintained a low profile following his marriage to Jones, navigating life beyond his relationship with the star and continuing his career discretely.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Atila Altaunbay married Grace Jones in 1996, highlighting a union of contrasting cultural backgrounds.
- Their marriage has not officially ended in divorce, illustrating the lasting legal bonds of their relationship.
- Despite his marriage to a celebrity, Altaunbay sustains a private life and has kept a low public profile.
Personal and Family Background
Atila Altaunbay’s personal history is as intriguing as it is diverse. From the roots in Turkey to an unexpected connection with celebrity, his journey through life highlights the blending of traditional familial values with the unpredictability of fame.
Early Life and Family Roots
Born in 1976, Atila Altaunbay’s early life began in Turkey. He was raised in a Turkish Muslim family, bringing him up with the cultural and religious values that are central to his personal identity.
His family’s beliefs and traditions undoubtedly shaped his early years and continue to influence him today. Though details about his education are sparse, the cultural fabric of his upbringing remains a strong element of his story.
Relationship with Grace Jones
Altaunbay’s life took a captivating turn when he met Grace Jones, a Jamaican singer, model, and actress known for her distinctive and bold persona. The contours of his life changed considerably in 1996 when he stepped into the limelight by marrying Jones.
Their union, described as a fascinating blend of cultures, featured Atila as a protective figure not just in matrimony, but also in his role as Jones’s bodyguard.
The couple shared a bond that, despite its eventual end, weathered the interplay of personal and public domains. Interestingly, their marriage did not officially dissolve even as they parted ways, adding another layer to Altaunbay’s unique personal narrative.
Grace Jones had a son, Paulo, from her previous relationship with French photographer Jean-Paul Goude. Although not much is known about Atila Altaunbay’s interaction with his step-son or his own family’s reaction to his marital status, it can be assumed that this connection brought new dimensions to his personal life.
Professional Endeavors
Atila Altaunbay has worn a variety of hats in his professional life, making his mark primarily in security and the entertainment industry. From the spotlight’s edge to forging his own path, his career reflects an eclectic mix of strength and artistry.
Career As a Bodyguard
Atila ventured into the realm of personal protection and found his niche as a bodyguard. His role extended beyond mere physical security; he became an integral part of the close-knit circle of celebrities he protected.
His towering presence and alertness were key assets in his bodyguard career. This demanding job required not only physical prowess but also a high level of trust and professionalism.
His experience in this field was not just a job but a stepping stone into a world of impactful professional relationships within the entertainment industry.
Ventures Outside Security
Outside of his security duties, Atila expanded his professional pursuits. He explored modeling, showcasing his natural charisma and affinity for the camera.
His foray into show business manifested in other avenues, too. Although not widely recognized as an actor or singer, he did engage with music and acting. These artistic endeavors added depth to his career, illustrating the versatility he mastered beyond the expectations set by his stint as a bodyguard.
Public and Media Relations
Atila Altaunbay’s personal life, particularly his marriage and divorce from Grace Jones, drew notable media attention, impacting his privacy and how the public perceived him.
Media Coverage of Marriage and Divorce
Atila Altaunbay’s marriage to Grace Jones was a significant event thrust into the spotlight. Originally aimed to be a private affair, the wedding became a subject of public interest, with details eventually being leaked to the press.
The couple found themselves navigating a media landscape filled with rumors and controversy. When Atila and Grace faced challenges conforming to church norms during their initial ceremony—prompted by the revelation that the officiating priest was gay—they decided to re-do their vows to solidify their commitment under the gaze of an intrigued audience.
The media also closely followed their subsequent divorce, leaving little room for privacy. The separation seemed to be compounded by the pressures of their public life, illustrating the complexity of managing personal relationships under public scrutiny.
Life After Spotlight
After the separation from Grace Jones, Altaunbay’s life receded from the public eye. While he had earlier been associated with the entertainment industry through singing and acting, his activities post-divorce leaned towards a more private existence.
However, public interest in his past relationship occasionally resurfaces in interviews and social media discussions, highlighting the enduring impact of his previous media coverage. The ongoing discourse underscores how a person can remain tethered to their public narrative, even long after stepping away from the spotlight.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Atila Altaunbay’s legacy, though not as widely recognized as some, has its own significance particularly reflected through his connections in the entertainment industry and relationships with iconic personalities.
Influence on the Entertainment Industry
Although he isn’t a mainstream celebrity, Altaunbay’s marriage to Grace Jones—a formidable figure in entertainment—has likely influenced the cultural and artistic spheres.
His association with Jones, a singer, actress, and a model of significant repute, places him adjacent to major shifts in music and fashion.
Jones, known for her bold style and dynamic performances, and her collaborations with creative minds like Jean-Paul Goude, a renowned French director, and graphic designer, may have provided Altaunbay with a unique vantage point on the creative process in these industries.
Association with Iconic Figures
- Grace Jones (Grace Beverly Jones):
- Role: Singer, Actress
- Notable Work: Influential music and film work; style icon
- Relationship: Former spouse
- Cultural Impact: Blurring boundaries between gender and genre
- Jean-Paul Goude:
- Profession: Graphic designer, Illustrator, Photographer, and Ad film director
- Collaboration: Long-term artistic partnership with Grace Jones
- Influence: Visionary image-making contributed to shaping the avant-garde visual style associated with Jones
At the intersection of marriage and partnership with these figures, Altaunbay’s life reflects a blend of cultures and perspectives.
He has his own Turkish roots, while Jones has a Jamaican background and has worked in cities like Syracuse, New York.
This melting pot of influences possibly defined his own understanding of the cultural dynamics within the entertainment industry and beyond.
