Legendary German entertainers Alice and Ellen Kessler have died at 89 by joint assisted suicide, the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) confirmed. The identical twin sisters passed away at their home in Grünwald, Munich, on November 17.
A Career That Shaped Europe
Born in 1936 in Saxony, the Kessler twins trained in classical ballet before fleeing East Germany in 1952 to join their father in Düsseldorf. They rose to fame in West Germany and later Italy, where they became TV icons.
The sisters performed with stars like Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte, and Fred Astaire. They declined Hollywood roles, including Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas, to avoid typecasting. On Italian TV shows like Studio Uno, they performed hits such as Da-da-un-pa and La notte è piccola. Their blend of ballet, singing, and charm influenced generations of showgirls, including Raffaella Carrà.
A Lifelong Bond
Alice and Ellen were inseparable. Their famous song Wir wollen niemals auseinandergeh’n celebrated their sisterly bond. In 2024, they told Corriere della Sera they wanted to die together, a wish they fulfilled this November.
Assisted Suicide in Germany
Their deaths highlight Germany’s laws on assisted suicide. A 2020 Constitutional Court ruling allows individuals to end their life with third-party help, as long as the decision is free and deliberate. The Kesslers planned their passing carefully, with guidance from the DGHS.
The deaths have sparked debate. The German Caritas Association warned that romanticized media coverage could pressure older adults to consider assisted suicide unnecessarily.
Legacy
With their iconic style, long legs, and captivating performances, the Kessler twins shaped European entertainment. They remain symbols of talent, dedication, and sisterly devotion.
Support Resources
- US: Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Global: International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide
