Alice and Ellen Kessler, the celebrated twin sisters who captivated Europe with their dazzling performances in the 1950s and 60s, have died at the age of 89. Their passing, a deliberate and deeply personal choice, was confirmed by the German Society for Humane Dying, marking a poignant end to a life lived in perfect synchronicity.
For over a year, the sisters had been quietly exploring the option of assisted suicide, seeking guidance and support from the DGHS. The organization emphasized that such a decision in Germany requires absolute clarity of mind and a consistent, thoughtful resolve – a testament to the profound consideration the twins gave to their final wish.
Local authorities confirmed a deployment to the Munich suburb of Gruenwald, where the twins resided, adding a somber note to the news. The sisters’ desire to depart together, on a chosen date, was a driving force behind their decision, according to a spokesperson for the DGHS.
Their wish wasn’t born of crisis, but of a long-held and carefully considered desire. The twins had openly expressed their fear of being left behind, revealing in an Italian newspaper last year their longing to “go away together on the same day.” The thought of one sister facing the end alone was simply unbearable.
Born in Nazi Germany in 1936, Alice and Ellen initially trained as ballet dancers, a discipline that perhaps foreshadowed the precision and harmony that would define their lives. Their family’s move to West Germany in the early 1950s opened the door to a burgeoning entertainment career.
From a cabaret in Paris, their talent quickly propelled them to stardom across postwar Germany and Italy. A breakthrough moment arrived in 1963 with an appearance on “The Red Skelton Hour” in the United States, a performance that showcased their unique blend of song and dance.
That American debut, featuring a vibrant rendition of “Les Girls,” landed them on the cover of Life magazine, solidifying their international fame. They were described by one account as “dazzling stars, true legends,” whose grace and charm would forever illuminate the stage.
The twins’ appeal extended beyond music and dance. They graced the cover of the Italian Playboy, an edition that famously sold out within hours, and appeared in both European and Hollywood films, including the epic “Sodom and Gomorrah.”
In their later years, they lived in mirrored apartments, connected by a shared space, a physical representation of their inseparable bond. Each day, they would meet for lunch, a ritual that underscored their enduring companionship. They remained unmarried, their lives devoted to each other and their art.
The sisters’ final wish was to have their ashes interred together, alongside their mother, Elsa, and their beloved dog, Yello – a final act of unity and love, completing a lifetime spent in perfect harmony.
