Twin Performers Who Rose to Fame in 1960s Die By Assisted Suicide at 89
Alice and Ellen Kessler, the German twin entertainers who rose to international stardom in the 1950s and 1960s, have died at age 89. The sisters, celebrated across Europe and the United States for their singing, dancing and acting, died together by assisted suicide in Germany on Monday, Nov. 17. Their deaths were confirmed by the German Society for Humane Dying, which said the procedure followed all required safety and care protocols.
According to the organization, the Kessler twins applied for the procedure in advance and a doctor present confirmed their deaths were carried out through assisted suicide, as the sisters had requested.
From East Germany to the Postwar Stage
Born in 1935 in Nazi Germany, Alice and Ellen Kessler grew up in a country reshaped by the Second World War. Their family fled East Germany for West Germany in 1952, a move that opened the door to a life and career not possible behind the Iron Curtain. Trained in ballet from a young age, the sisters quickly became known for their precision, stage presence and unmistakable twin symmetry.
Their early talent led them to Paris, where they performed at the famed Le Lido cabaret after being recruited by its director. They later found success in Italy, starring in the popular variety show “Studio Uno,” which introduced them to a broader European audience.
Fame Across Europe and the United States
By the mid-1950s, the Kessler twins had become one of the most recognizable performing duos in postwar Europe. Their act blended synchronized dance, vocal numbers and light comedy, making them versatile entertainers. As their fame grew, so did the caliber of artists who wanted to work with them.
Throughout their careers, the sisters performed alongside Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte and Fred Astaire. German outlet SWR reported that even Elvis Presley tried to charm the duo after a performance in Paris, though the effort reportedly did not succeed.
Their appeal extended beyond Europe. In the United States, they appeared several times on widely watched television programs, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Red Skelton Hour” and “The Hollywood Palace.” In 1963, they appeared in the epic film “Sodom and Gomorrah,” further cementing their presence in American entertainment.
A Career Marked by Reinvention
The Kessler twins adapted to changing eras in entertainment, maintaining relevance long after their initial rise to stardom. In 1976, at age 40, they posed nude for the cover of Italian Playboy, a moment that became a media sensation and highlighted their willingness to reinvent their public image.
Unlike many performers of their generation, the sisters never married. They continued to work well into their 80s, taking on occasional television and stage appearances while maintaining a devoted following in Germany and Italy. Their ability to remain active in the industry for decades made them cultural touchstones for multiple generations of viewers.
Life in Retirement
In their later years, Alice and Ellen Kessler retired to Grünwald, a suburb south of Munich. According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur International, they lived quietly while occasionally granting interviews or participating in retrospective features about their long careers.
The German newspaper Bild once quoted Ellen Kessler describing the sisters’ wishes for burial. According to the report, the twins hoped to be cremated and placed together in a single urn alongside their mother and their dog, a plan outlined in their will.
A Joint Decision at the End of Their Lives
Few entertainers share the level of lifelong professional and personal partnership the Kessler twins maintained. Their decision to pursue assisted suicide together reflects the closeness that defined their lives from childhood through their final years.
Germany allows assisted suicide under specific conditions, and the German Society for Humane Dying said all requirements were met in the Kesslers’ case. The organization noted that the procedure was carried out with medical oversight.
The twins’ deaths mark the end of a remarkable chapter in European entertainment history. Their contributions to postwar culture, from cabaret stages to television screens, left a lasting impression on audiences who grew up watching their synchronized performances.
Remembering Two Icons of Postwar Entertainment
Alice and Ellen Kessler’s careers spanned more than six decades, crossing borders and shifting artistic eras. Their legacy includes collaborations with some of the most notable entertainers of the twentieth century, international television appearances and a public image defined by elegance, precision and unmistakable twin symmetry.
Their joint passing closes a life story lived in near-perfect parallel, from their training as young dancers to their final day at age 89.
If you or someone you know is struggling or considering suicide, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. International resources can be found at IASP.info. Please reach out — support is always available.