Alice and Ellen Kessler, famed German entertainment twins, died at 89 in a joint assisted suicide. Explore their legacy, careers, and impactful cultural history.
Kessler Twins Die at 89 in Joint Assisted Suicide: Entertainment Icons Leave Behind a Powerful Legacy
Alice and Ellen Kessler, the identical twins who became international stars during the golden age of variety entertainment, have died at the age of 89. According to the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS), the sisters chose to end their lives together through a coordinated assisted suicide. Their deaths mark the end of a remarkable era, as the Kessler twins were once among the most recognizable performers in Europe and the United States.
Local authorities in Grünwald, a suburb of Munich where the pair lived for many years, confirmed that police responded to a call around midday on Monday. Officials did not disclose the nature of the response, but DGHS later shared that the twins had been in contact with the organization for more than a year and had become members with the intention of choosing their own end-of-life path.
A spokesperson for DGHS stated that the twins’ decision had been “thoughtful, long-planned, and made without any sign of emotional crisis.” For the Kesslers, the choice to depart life together was deeply tied to their lifelong bond. In interviews last year, they expressed fear of being separated by death, explaining that they could not bear the idea of one sister passing away while the other remained behind. They had also expressed the desire for their ashes to be placed in a shared urn alongside their mother and their beloved dog.
A Personal Decision Within the Law
Assisted dying, under regulated circumstances, has been legal in Germany since a 2020 ruling affirmed an individual’s right to self-determined death. The court decision permitted adults who are acting autonomously and without external pressure to seek help ending their lives. The Kessler twins’ case fits that criteria, according to DGHS, which facilitated access to medical and legal support.
Their deaths reignite ethical discussions around assisted dying, but many supporters emphasize that the sisters made a deliberate choice consistent with their lifelong commitment to each other.
From Ballet Students to Global Showbiz Phenomena
Alice and Ellen Kessler were more than performers—they were cultural symbols of postwar European entertainment. Born in a village near Grimma, in the region now known as Saxony, the twins studied classical ballet as children. In 1952, amid the political tensions of East Germany, they fled to pursue artistic freedom and new opportunities.
Their first major break came at the famed Lido in Paris, a cabaret known for glamorous productions and high-level talent. However, their appeal soon surpassed the cabaret world. With their graceful choreography, musical talent, and striking synchronized presence, the twins brought a polished elegance that quickly captured international attention.
They went on to represent West Germany in the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, which introduced them to a broader European audience. Soon afterward, they found success across the Atlantic. They appeared multiple times on The Ed Sullivan Show, one of the most influential programs in American television history, and even graced the cover of Life magazine.
During this period, the Kesslers mingled with some of Hollywood’s biggest names—Fred Astaire, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Rock Hudson, among others. Their careers flourished during a time when variety entertainment dominated global culture.
Following their deaths, The Ed Sullivan Show paid tribute on social media, describing them as “dazzling stars” whose charm and talent would be remembered for generations.
Their Italian Stardom and Lasting Influence
While the twins achieved fame across Europe and the U.S., Italy became one of the countries where they made their deepest cultural impact. They became household names after appearing on Italian television in the late 1950s, becoming the first showgirls to do so.
At a time when Italian media operated under strict conservative norms, the sisters’ performances were seen as groundbreaking. The network required them to wear opaque tights, but their presence still shifted cultural standards for what could be shown on TV. Their legs became so iconic that they were poetically referred to as “the legs of the country.”
Their influence extended beyond television. When the twins posed for the Italian edition of Playboy in 1976, the issue sold out within hours. They appeared in films, variety shows, and stage productions, eventually becoming woven into the fabric of Italian entertainment history. Following their deaths, Italian state broadcaster RAI even released a detailed plan outlining its tributes, including reruns of the twins’ classic performances.
A Lifelong Partnership—Onstage and Off
The Kessler twins were inseparable throughout their lives. Even in their later years, they lived in mirrored apartments connected by a shared space, meeting daily for lunch and spending most of their time together. Their deep bond was both their foundation and their identity, shaping their careers and personal lives in equal measure.
Their final act—choosing to die on the same day—reflects the profound connection that defined them from childhood.
Germany Pays Tribute
Tino Kießig, the mayor of Grimma, expressed the town’s grief, describing the twins as “world-renowned personalities” who carried their hometown’s name to international stages.
As tributes continue from Germany, Italy, and around the world, the Kessler twins are remembered not only for their beauty and artistry but for their commitment to one another and their trailblazing impact on entertainment history.
Their legacy, marked by grace, discipline, and unity, will continue inspiring performers and audiences alike.
