Kessler Twins: German Entertainers End Lives at 89

The world of entertainment mourns the passing of Alice and Ellen Kessler, the iconic German twin entertainers, who died by assisted suicide at the age of 89. The sisters, renowned for their glamorous performances and groundbreaking careers in the mid-20th century, chose to end their lives together on Monday, November 18, 2025, in their residence in Gruenwald, a suburb of Munich. This deeply personal decision, made under Germany’s laws permitting assisted suicide since 2019, reflects a long-held wish by the inseparable duo to depart life simultaneously.

The Final Chapter: A Shared Decision

Reports confirmed that local police were deployed to the Kessler twins’ home on Monday, though authorities did not initially disclose the reason for their presence. It was later revealed that the sisters had opted for assisted suicide, a legal option in Germany. More than a year prior to their passing, Alice and Ellen Kessler had initiated contact with the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS), an organization that facilitates access to legal and medical assistance for individuals seeking to end their lives.

According to Wega Wetzel, a spokesperson for the DGHS, a significant factor in their decision was “the desire to die together on a specific date.” Wetzel emphasized that the twin entertainers’ “desire to die was well-considered, long-standing, and free from any psychiatric crisis.” This underscores the deliberate and autonomous nature of their choice, made after extensive consideration.

A Legacy of Glamour and Innovation

Alice and Ellen Kessler rose to international prominence as entertainers during the 1950s and 1960s, captivating audiences with their synchronized dance routines, singing, and striking identical appearance. Their career spanned various entertainment forms, from cabaret and stage performances to film and television. They achieved particular fame in Italy, where they were celebrated as showgirls and became trailblazers in television. Notably, the Kessler Twins made history as the first female stars to visibly show their legs on screen and were pioneers as showgirls on Italian television.

Their talent and charisma also extended to American audiences through multiple appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The show itself paid a poignant tribute on Instagram following the news of their death, honoring them as “dazzling stars, true legends, and sisters whose grace, charm, and magic will shine forever.”

A Wish for Eternal Togetherness

The bond between Alice and Ellen Kessler was profound, extending even to their final wishes. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera last year, the sisters openly expressed their desire “to go away together on the same day.” They articulated the immense difficulty they faced with “the idea that one of us might get it first.” Further testament to their unbreakable connection, the twin entertainers also expressed their wish for their ashes to be interred together in the same urn, alongside those of their mother, Elsa Kessler, and their beloved dog, Yello.

Conclusion

The passing of twin entertainers Alice and Ellen Kessler at 89, by assisted suicide, marks the end of an extraordinary life shared in the spotlight and in private. Their pioneering spirit in entertainment and their unwavering bond left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Their final, considered decision to depart together highlights the unique depth of their sisterly connection and raises broader discussions about autonomy, companionship, and end-of-life choices in contemporary society.