Alice and Ellen Kessler, Germany’s legendary twin performers, lived—and passed—together as they had always wished, leaving behind a legacy of talent, elegance, and unbreakable sisterly bond. Born in Nerchau, Saxony in 1936, the sisters fled East Germany in 1952 to pursue their dreams, quickly rising from revue theaters to the stages of Paris, Las Vegas, and New York. Their synchronized performances, dazzling costumes, and iconic long-legged routines made them television stars across Europe in the 1960s and 70s, earning them worldwide acclaim.
They shared stages with legends like Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, and Harry Belafonte, yet remained inseparable both on and off the stage. Their lifelong partnership extended to living together in Grünwald near Munich, where they continued to support each other through every chapter of life. In 2006, their hometown of Nerchau honored them as honorary citizens, celebrating the modest, warm women behind the global fame.
Even in their final days, their bond remained unbroken. Just weeks before their passing, they appeared together at the premiere of the Roncalli show ARTistART at Circus Krone, smiling, hand in hand, embodying the grace and unity fans had admired for decades. Having planned carefully, they chose assisted suicide on November 17, 2025, to preserve their independence, a final act reflecting their shared philosophy that life should end on their own terms.
Alice and Ellen Kessler will be laid to rest together in a single urn, alongside their mother Elsa and beloved poodle Yello—a poignant testament to their inseparable lives. Their story is one of extraordinary artistry, enduring sisterhood, and a legacy that cements them as beloved icons of European entertainment.
The Kesslers’ journey reminds us that fame and talent shine brightest when paired with love, loyalty, and the courage to live—and leave—together.