Alice and Ellen Kessler — the iconic German twin sisters who rose to fame as dancers, singers, and TV personalities in the 1950s and 1960s — have died at age 89 by joint assisted suicide in their home in Grünwald, Germany.
The twins, who shared adjoining flats separated by a sliding wall, reportedly “no longer wanted to live” and made the decision together. Their choice was supported by the German Society for Humane Dying, an organization that facilitates medically assisted death.
Police confirmed there was a “deployment” after being notified of the sisters’ deaths but clarified there was no indication of foul play. According to reports, a doctor and a lawyer were present when the sisters passed on their chosen date.
Career & Legacy
- Alice and Ellen were born in 1936 and began ballet as children, eventually joining the Leipzig Opera’s children’s ballet.
- They fled East Germany in 1952, and their international career took off from Paris’s Lido cabaret.
- They performed with legends like Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, and Harry Belafonte, and appeared on major shows including The Ed Sullivan Show.
- In Italy, they became TV icons, with their famous “Da-da-un-pa” routine and their nickname “the legs of the nation.”
Final Wishes
The sisters had previously expressed their wishes clearly: they wanted their ashes buried together in the same urn, alongside their mother Elsa and their beloved dog Yello. Their decision reflects their lifelong closeness and commitment — in life and in death.
Reaction & Implications
- Their passing has sparked conversation about the right to die with dignity, especially in countries where assisted dying is legal under regulation.
- Fans and fellow entertainers have mourned their loss and celebrated their indelible mark on European entertainment.
- Their story is a poignant reminder of their deep bond, both personally and professionally.
Summary:
Alice and Ellen Kessler, the beloved German twin entertainers, ended their lives together through medically assisted suicide at 89 — a final act that underscores their inseparable bond. Their legacy as dance legends and television stars will be remembered worldwide.
