Kessler Twins, Legendary German Entertainers, Die Together by Assisted Suicide at 89

The Final Curtain: Kessler Twins Opt for Joint Assisted Suicide

Alice and Ellen Kessler, the identical twins whose dazzling careers as singers and dancers made them household names across Europe, have died together at age 89, choosing assisted suicide in the Munich suburb of Grünwald. Their passing was confirmed by the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS), an advocacy organization that had supported the sisters through their decision.

Fame Forged in Adversity: From Ballet School to International Stardom

Born in 1936 in Nazi Germany, the Kessler twins’ early lives were marked by upheaval and ambition. They trained as ballet dancers in Leipzig, immersing themselves in classical technique and discipline. In 1952, at just sixteen, their family fled East Germany for the West—a move that would set the stage for their rise to stardom. Within a few years, the twins were performing in Düsseldorf’s revue theaters before being discovered by the director of the famed Lido cabaret in Paris. It was here, amid the glittering lights and cabaret culture, that Alice and Ellen began their ascent as international entertainers.

With their trademark blonde hair, striking symmetry, and energetic performances, the sisters quickly became synonymous with the glamorous showgirl image of the 1950s and 60s. They were not just dancers—they were icons who embodied the optimism and allure of postwar Europe. Their legacy includes representing Germany at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest and gracing the cover of Life magazine in 1963, a testament to their global appeal.

Breaking Boundaries: Stars in Germany, Italy, and Beyond

The Kesslers’ careers were as boundary-breaking as their choreography. In Italy, they made history as the first showgirls to appear on television, navigating strict social norms by wearing opaque tights while their legs were nevertheless dubbed “the legs of the country.” Their fame extended to American audiences with appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Red Skelton Hour, where their grace and charm were celebrated by fellow entertainers and viewers alike. They mingled with legends—Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Rock Hudson—yet maintained their unique identity, even turning down a role in Viva Las Vegas to avoid being typecast in American musicals.

In 1976, the twins created a sensation by posing for the Italian edition of Playboy, with the issue selling out in hours. Their presence in European film and theater continued through the decades, and even as the era of the traditional showgirl faded, Alice and Ellen remained active, starring in musicals in Berlin, Munich, and Vienna as recently as 2015–2016. Their careers spanned more than six decades—a testament to their discipline, gratitude, and togetherness, as Alice once reflected: “Together you’re stronger.”

A Life Lived in Harmony: Personal Bonds and Lasting Impact

The Kessler twins’ connection ran deeper than performance. They lived in mirrored, connected apartments in Grünwald, meeting every day at noon for lunch. Their intertwined lives were a source of comfort and strength. In interviews, both expressed a profound desire to leave this world together, unable to bear the thought of separation: “The idea that one of us might go first is very hard to bear.” This sentiment shaped their decision to pursue assisted suicide, a path made legal in Germany following a landmark 2020 constitutional court ruling that affirmed the right to end one’s life freely and responsibly.

The process was meticulous and deliberate. The DGHS confirmed that the twins had been members for over a year, receiving counsel from doctors and lawyers to ensure their choice was thoughtful and free from external influence or psychiatric crisis. Their ashes will be interred together, alongside their mother and beloved dog Yello—a final act of unity echoing the closeness that defined their lives.

Public Reaction and the Conversation Around Assisted Dying

The news of the twins’ passing has stirred a wave of tributes across Europe. The Ed Sullivan Show remembered them as “dazzling stars, true legends, and sisters whose grace, charm, and magic will shine forever.” In their hometown, Grimma, Mayor Tino Kießig spoke of mourning “the loss of these two world-renowned personalities.” Italian broadcaster RAI announced special programming to honor their legacy, underscoring the depth of their impact in both Germany and Italy.

Their story also reignites public discussion about assisted dying. Since Germany’s top court overturned a ban in 2020, the country has sought to balance personal autonomy with safeguards against impulsive or coerced decisions. The Kessler twins’ choice, described by advocates as “well-considered and free from crisis,” exemplifies how the law is intended to function—respecting the wishes of those who have reached the end of their journeys in full possession of their faculties.

For those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, resources remain available worldwide. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide offer crisis support in many countries. In the US, help is available via the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

The Kessler twins’ lives were a testament to the enduring power of partnership, artistry, and personal agency. Their story, marked by courage and grace in both life and death, invites us to reflect on the ways we define fulfillment, autonomy, and dignity. Their legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the deepest connection may be the one we share with another soul.