Grace Jones is a multifaceted icon who has made her mark as a singer, model, and actress. With her striking appearance, distinctive voice, and boundary-pushing artistic vision, she has remained a powerful influence in entertainment since the 1970s.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Grace Beverly Jones |
|---|---|
| Profession | Singer, Model, Actress |
| Birthday | May 19, 1948 |
| Age (2025) | 76 years |
| Birthplace | Spanish Town, Jamaica |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nationality | Jamaican-American |
| Net Worth (2025) | $7 million |
| Height | 5’10.5" (179 cm) |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
Early Life & Background
Grace Beverly Jones was born on May 19, 1948, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Her early years were shaped by strict religious upbringing, as she attended church three times weekly while being raised by her grandparents. This structured environment would later contrast sharply with her rebellious artistic persona. Her family eventually relocated to Syracuse, New York, where Grace would begin to forge her own path.
Education
Jones pursued higher education at Syracuse University, where she studied theater. This formal training in performing arts laid a foundation for her later career, though her distinctive style would evolve far beyond conventional theater. Her academic background in dramatic arts helped inform her theatrical approach to music and performance.
Career Journey
Grace Jones’ career began in the modeling world, where her striking, androgynous appearance quickly gained attention. By the early 1970s, she had signed with Wilhelmina Models and was working in Paris and New York, appearing in magazines like Vogue and Elle. Her distinctive look challenged beauty standards and made her a favorite subject of photographers.
In the late 1970s, Jones transitioned to music, releasing her debut album “Portfolio” in 1977. She found significant success with dance hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper,” which reached #2 on the U.S. Dance Chart. Other notable songs include “I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango),” “Private Life,” and “Slave to the Rhythm,” establishing her as a distinctive voice in disco and new wave music.
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Jones expanded her career into acting, with perhaps her most memorable role being May Day, the formidable villain in the 1985 James Bond film “A View to a Kill.” Her commanding presence and unique style made her perfect for this iconic role opposite Roger Moore. She also appeared in films like “Conan the Destroyer” (1984) and “Boomerang” (1992).
Personal Life
Grace Jones’ personal life has seen several significant relationships. She married producer Chris Stanley in 1989, though the union was short-lived and ended in divorce. She later married her bodyguard Atila Altaunbay in 1996, but this relationship also eventually dissolved.
One of her most creatively significant relationships was with graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude, with whom she had a son named Paulo. Goude and Jones collaborated professionally, creating some of her most iconic visual imagery and album covers. Their artistic partnership produced enduring visual statements that defined her public image.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Grace Jones’ estimated net worth stands at approximately $7 million. Her wealth derives from her multifaceted career spanning music, modeling, and acting. Despite never achieving mainstream pop stardom, her influence and cultural significance have far outweighed commercial success, allowing her to maintain a steady career for decades. Her income sources include music royalties, film appearances, occasional modeling work, and her enduring cultural influence that leads to various collaborations.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 5’10.5" (179 cm), Grace Jones possesses a striking, statuesque figure that helped define her modeling career. Her angular features, distinctive flat-top haircut (during her most iconic period), and androgynous style challenged conventional beauty standards and influenced fashion for decades. Jones’ distinctive look—sculptural, bold, and uncompromising—became as much a part of her artistic statement as her music and performances.
Artistic Style & Influence
Grace Jones pioneered a fusion of reggae, funk, post-punk, and new wave in her music, creating a sound as distinctive as her visual presence. Her performances are characterized by theatrical elements, avant-garde costumes, and a commanding stage presence. As a visual artist, Jones’ collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude produced some of the most striking and influential images in pop culture history.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Grace Jones played the villain May Day in the James Bond film “A View to a Kill” (1985)
- She was once a muse to legendary artist Andy Warhol and appeared in his 1990 documentary “Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol”
- Jones released her autobiography, “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs,” in 2015
- Her distinctive visual style has influenced countless artists, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Solange Knowles
- Despite her avant-garde image, Jones had a strict religious upbringing, attending church three times weekly
- Her collaboration with photographer and designer Jean-Paul Goude created some of the most iconic images in popular culture
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Grace Jones’ refusal to conform to expectations of gender, race, or artistic expression has cemented her legacy as a trailblazer. Her influence extends beyond music and modeling into broader discussions of identity, gender, and artistic freedom. Modern artists frequently cite her as an influence, both visually and in terms of her uncompromising artistic vision.
FAQ
How old is Grace Jones in 2025?
Grace Jones is 76 years old in 2025, having been born on May 19, 1948.
Was Grace Jones really in a James Bond movie?
Yes, she played the villain May Day in the 1985 James Bond film “A View to a Kill,” starring opposite Roger Moore.
Who was Grace Jones married to?
Grace Jones has been married twice: to producer Chris Stanley in 1989 and to her bodyguard Atila Altaunbay in 1996. Both marriages ended in divorce.
Does Grace Jones have children?
Yes, Grace Jones has one son named Paulo with graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude, who was also her creative collaborator.
What is Grace Jones’ most famous song?
While she has several notable songs, “Pull Up to the Bumper” is often considered her most famous hit, reaching #2 on the U.S. Dance Chart.
Grace Jones remains one of the most distinctive and influential figures in entertainment, whose impact on music, fashion, and visual arts continues to resonate decades after she first burst onto the scene. Her fearless approach to artistic expression and her refusal to be categorized make her a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.