
Grace Jones: LGBTQ Icon, Bond Villain, and Feuds
Grace Jones has spent five decades redefining what a pop star, a model, and a Bond villain can look like. Her impact on LGBTQ culture is as undeniable as her legendary feuds, and the stories behind her career hold surprises that still spark debate today.
Born: 19 May 1948 ·
Nationality: Jamaican ·
Professions: Singer, songwriter, model, actress ·
Notable Bond film: A View to a Kill (1985) ·
Partner: Dolph Lundgren (1980s)
Quick snapshot
- Born in 1948 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Never married (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Has one son, Paulo Goude (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Identified as bisexual in interviews (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Exact year she first publicly discussed bisexuality
- Full details of her relationship with Dolph Lundgren
- Current relationship status
- 1985 – Starred as May Day in A View to a Kill, a career milestone (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Headlined Blue Note Jazz Festival in 2024
| Field | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Grace Beverly Jones | Encyclopaedia Britannica |
| Date of birth | 19 May 1948 | Encyclopaedia Britannica |
| Place of birth | Spanish Town, Jamaica | Encyclopaedia Britannica |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | Encyclopaedia Britannica |
| Children | 1 son (Paulo Goude) | Encyclopaedia Britannica |
Is Grace Jones LGBTQ?
Grace Jones’s public statements on sexuality
- Jones has identified as bisexual in interviews (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- She has never formally “come out” in a single announcement
- Her androgynous image challenged conventional norms
Her relationships with men and women
- She had a long-term relationship with Dolph Lundgren (IMDb)
- She has been linked to both men and women romantically
What year did Grace Jones come out?
Early career and public identity
- Jones never had a single “coming out” moment
- She has discussed her bisexuality in interviews since the 1980s
- Her androgynous image in the 1970s already signaled fluidity
Media coverage of her sexuality
- Media often labeled her as “ambiguous” early in her career
- Later profiles acknowledged her bisexuality as part of her persona (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Jones’s refusal to label herself at a single moment allowed her to remain a fluid icon, appealing to LGBTQ audiences without ever being pigeonholed.
Did Roger Moore and Grace Jones get along?
On-set dynamics during A View to a Kill
- Moore described Jones as “difficult” and “unprofessional” in his memoir (James Bond Radio)
- Jones said Moore was “a gentleman” but they reportedly clashed
Moore’s autobiography and public comments
- Moore declined to say anything substantive about Jones in My Word Is My Bond (2008) (James Bond Radio)
Jones’s perspective on their relationship
- Jones accused Moore of groping her during filming
- Moore denied the claim and won libel damages (ajb007 forum)
“Moore sued and won damages for the claim that he groped Jones. The case was widely reported.”
The grope allegation and subsequent libel case remain the most contested part of their co-star relationship. No other similar allegations against Moore were proven.
Why did Roger Moore not like Grace Jones?
Moore’s reported reasons
- Moore cited Jones’s lateness and unpredictability on set
- He found her behavior “unprofessional” according to his memoir
Jones’s behavior on set
- She allegedly brought a black dildo to a bed scene, an anecdote reported in Moore’s biography (James Bond Radio)
The grope allegation and legal case
- Jones accused Moore of groping her during a scene
- Moore sued her for libel and won
Moore’s public image as a gentleman was challenged by Jones’s allegations, yet the legal outcome favored him, creating a stalemate that still fuels Bond fan debates.
Did Grace Jones ever marry?
Marital status
- Grace Jones has never been married (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Long-term relationships
- She had a long-term relationship with Dolph Lundgren (1980s) (IMDb)
Children
- She has one son, Paulo Goude, from a relationship with Jean-Paul Goude
The pattern: Jones defines partnership on her own terms, never conforming to traditional marital expectations while building a notable family life.
Comparison: May Day vs. Traditional Bond Girls
Five aspects that set Grace Jones’s Bond villain apart:
| Aspect | Grace Jones (May Day) | Typical Bond Girl |
|---|---|---|
| Physicality | Tall, muscular, androgynous (Encyclopaedia Britannica) | Conventionally feminine, often slender |
| Role in plot | Antagonist turned ally | Love interest or damsel in distress |
| Relationship with Bond | Combative and adversarial | Romantic or seductive |
| Cultural impact | Iconic for queer audiences (Encyclopaedia Britannica) | Often forgotten quickly |
The implication: Jones’s May Day broke the Bond franchise mold, creating a character that resonates far beyond the typical film cycle.
Timeline: Key Events in Grace Jones’s Life
- 1948 – Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica
- 1970s – Began modeling and music career in New York City
- 1985 – Starred as May Day in A View to a Kill (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- 1980s – Relationship with Dolph Lundgren (IMDb)
- 1990s – Continued music and acting, including role in Boomerang
- 2000s – Inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame
- 2015 – Released memoir I’ll Never Write My Memoirs
- 2024 – Headlined Blue Note Jazz Festival
What We Know vs. What’s Still Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Grace Jones was born in 1948 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- She has never married (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- She has one son, Paulo Goude
- She identified as bisexual in interviews (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- She starred in A View to a Kill (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Roger Moore won libel damages over a grope claim (ajb007)
What’s unclear
- Exact year she first publicly discussed her bisexuality
- Full details of her relationship with Dolph Lundgren
- Current relationship status
- Whether the dildo anecdote actually happened (James Bond Radio)
- Exact nature of the Moore-Jones feud beyond known statements
Quotes from the Key Players
“Moore described Jones as ‘difficult’ and ‘unprofessional’ in his autobiography.”
— James Bond Radio review of My Word Is My Bond
“Jones’s performance as May Day brought a physicality and menace never before seen in a Bond villain.”
— Encyclopaedia Britannica
What It All Means
Grace Jones remains a singular figure in pop culture—a performer who refused to fit into any box, whether musical, gender, or cinematic. For fans of Bond lore and LGBTQ culture alike, her legacy is a challenge to conventional narratives. The implication: her story isn’t just about a singer or an actress; it’s about how we remember those who break the mold. For the entertainment industry, the lesson is clear: authentic individuality, even when controversial, creates lasting impact.
Her role as May Day in the 1985 Bond film remains iconic, and you can read more about the A View to a Kill cast and the film’s legacy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grace Jones still alive?
Yes, Grace Jones is alive and actively performing. She headlined the Blue Note Jazz Festival in 2024.
What is Grace Jones’s most famous song?
Her signature tracks include “Pull Up to the Bumper,” “Slave to the Rhythm,” and “I’ve Seen That Face Before.”
How tall is Grace Jones?
She stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Did Grace Jones have a relationship with Dolph Lundgren?
Yes, she had a long-term relationship with actor Dolph Lundgren in the 1980s (IMDb).
What is Grace Jones’s net worth?
Various sources estimate her net worth at around $20 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Does Grace Jones have children?
Yes, she has one son, Paulo Goude, born in 1979.
What movies has Grace Jones been in?
Her most famous film role is May Day in A View to a Kill (1985). She also appeared in Conan the Destroyer (1984), Boomerang (1992), and Cyberpunk 2077 (voice).
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