The world of entertainment mourns the loss of Alice and Ellen Kessler, the inseparable twin sisters who became icons during Italy's golden age of television. The legendary performers passed away at the age of 89 through assisted euthanasia, as confirmed by German authorities on Monday, November 17.
The Final Journey of the Kessler Twins
German daily Bild reported that the criminal investigation department received notification about the deaths of the 89-year-old twins on Monday afternoon. The sisters, who shared adjoining flats in Grünwald separated only by a sliding wall, chose assisted euthanasia under Germany's strict legal framework that requires individuals to make this decision independently and of their own free will.
In a poignant revelation from an interview conducted more than a year ago with Bild, Ellen Kessler had shared their final wishes. "This is also what we have decreed in our will," she stated, explaining their desire to be buried in the same urn containing the ashes of their beloved mother Elsa and their dog Yello.
From German Birth to International Stardom
Born on August 20, 1936 in Nerchau, Germany, the Kessler twins began their extraordinary journey in the entertainment world at a young age. By the time they were 19, they were already performing with the prestigious Bluebell Girls at the Lido in Paris, showcasing their ballet and cabaret talents.
Their career breakthrough came in 1961 with their signature "Da-da-un-pa" routine, directed by Antonello Falqui. This performance catapulted them to fame in Italy, where they became beloved television personalities on popular shows including Giardino d'inverno and Studio Uno. Their remarkable legs earned them the affectionate nickname "the nation's legs" among adoring fans.
Global Recognition and American Success
The twins' talent transcended European borders, leading to international recognition as singers, dancers, actresses, and entertainers. They made their American television debut on the CBS variety show The Red Skelton Hour and became familiar faces to American audiences through appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Their filmography includes the 1963 biblical epic Sodom and Gomorrah, further cementing their status as versatile performers. The pinnacle of their American recognition came when they graced the cover of Life Magazine in 1963, a testament to their global appeal and star power.
Throughout postwar Europe, Alice and Ellen Kessler became household names, captivating audiences with their entertaining performances and inseparable bond. Their legacy as pioneering entertainers who mastered multiple disciplines—from ballet and cabaret to television and film—ensures they will be remembered as true icons of twentieth-century entertainment.
