The death of Alice and Ellen Kessler marks the end of an era in European entertainment. German twin performers, much loved across television, theatre and cabaret for decades, died together on November 17, 2025, at their home in Grunwald. Their deaths were the result of a planned, jointly assisted suicide, in line with their long-held wish never to face life without the other. Their story blends brilliance and glamour with an unwavering devotion that defined both their careers and their final decision.
Who were the Kessler Twins?
German born twins Alice and Ellen Kessler became major stars across Europe during the 1950s and 60s. With precision dancing, polished stage presence and striking identical features, the sisters became international showbiz ambassadors for Germany and later, Italy. The sisters were also respected actresses and singers, going on to appear in such diverse media as films, television specials and top variety productions.
Kessler Twins Age
Both sisters were 89 years old when they died. They were born on August 20, 1936, in what is today Grimma, Saxony.
Kessler Twins Parents
The twins were born to Paul and Elsa Kessler, who encouraged their early artistic education. Their mother was a central figure in their lives and was referred to in many interviews as part of the emotional anchor that they always returned to.
Kessler Twins Career
Classically trained in ballet since childhood, Alice and Ellen joined Leipzig Opera’s youth ballet before fleeing East Germany in 1952. Their lives transformed when the director of Le Lido in Paris spotted their talent, giving them a global stage.
They became cultural icons during the late 1950s and early 60s. They represented West Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1959, they appeared on most major American shows including The Ed Sullivan Show, they performed alongside legends like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire and they were Italy’s first-ever showgirls on television when they performed on RAI. With their identical looks and perfect synchronicity, they were known as “the legs of the nation.”
Even after their period of large revues passed, they continued performing in European theatre for decades.
Alice and Ellen’s Personal Lives
Indeed, the sisters lived remarkably intertwined lives. They had adjoining mirrored apartments, shared meals daily, and together shared most of their friendships and travels. While both had long-term relationships during their working years, neither chose marriage. Indeed, in later interviews, they often spoke of their fear of outliving one another.
Did the Kessler Twins Marry
No, neither Alice nor Ellen married, even though there were some notable romances with actors and entertainers throughout their careers.
Kessler Twins Net Worth
Their combined net worth in 2025 was estimated at approximately 5–8 million dollars, amassed over decades of performances, TV appearances and commercial success in three major markets: Germany, Italy and the United States.
Kessler Twins Awards
The numerous awards that acknowledged their contributions included the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Bavarian Order of Merit, honorary citizenship in Grimma and Italian government awards for fostering German-Italian cultural ties.
Kessler Twins Cause of Death
The twins died through a joint assisted suicide coordinated with the German Society for Humane Dying. The organisation confirmed that the decision was made freely, without any mental health concerns. Their wish, long expressed publicly, was to leave the world together on the same day.
What is Assisted Suicide in Germany?
Assisted suicide is legal in Germany with certain conditions, after a 2020 constitutional ruling that supported the individual right to self-determined death. The law requires the act to be voluntary, free of external pressure and for the medication to be self-administered. Organisations like the DGHS give guidelines but cannot administer the lethal dose themselves.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and aims to provide a factual, respectful overview of the Kessler Twins ives and passing.
