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By Megan Cartwright
Associate News Editor
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Ellen and Alice Kessler, the renowned German twin entertainers internationally known as the Kessler Twins, died on Monday by assisted suicide at their home in Grünwald, a suburb of Munich, Germany, the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) confirmed to Newsweek. They were 89.
The Context
The Kesslers' deaths bring renewed focus to the rights and choices surrounding assisted suicide and highlight evolving attitudes on autonomy in dying. Their joint passing marks the end of an era for European and American entertainment.
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What To Know
DGHS spokesperson Wega Wetzel confirmed the manner and circumstances of their deaths, stating that the sisters "had been considering this option for some time."
"People who choose this option in Germany must be absolutely clear-headed, meaning free and responsible," Wetzel said. "The decision must be thoughtful and consistent, meaning made over a long period of time and not impulsive."
Wetzel added that just days before their deaths, the Kessler twins wrote the DGHS a letter that read: "We are glad that the DGHS exists and that we can end our lives with dignity.“
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Medically assisted dying is legal under certain conditions in Germany. A 2020 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court established that individuals have the right to end their lives with third-party assistance free from external influence, The Guardian reported at the time.
The DGHS confirmed to Newsweek that the Kessler sisters had been members for over a year and had discussed their plans with a lawyer and a doctor prior to their deaths.
The twins were born on August 20, 1936, in what is now Grimma, Saxony. In 1952, they fled East Germany for the West amid political turmoil, soon launching international careers as dancers and singers.
Their stage credits span Europe and the U.S., including appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, performances alongside Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Harry Belafonte, and roles in European television and film. They achieved iconic status in Italy, earning the nickname “The Nation’s Legs,” and remained fixtures on variety shows for decades.
The sisters never married and lived together in interconnected apartments in Munich. According to The Los Angeles Times, they stipulated in their wills to be buried together in one urn with their mother and dog.
What People Are Saying
Italian radio station Radio Monte Carlo wrote on Instagram, translated to English: "Alice and Ellen Kessler left together, just as they lived: inseparable. Born in 1936, they were an absolute symbol of European spectacle, including music, dance and television. In Italy, they became celebrities as the 'legs of the nation', icon of elegance and stage presence since the Fifties. A unique artistic couple, capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the collective imagination."
The Ed Sullivan Show shared a tribute on Instagram: "Honoring the extraordinary lives of the Kessler Twins. Alice & Ellen were dazzling stars, true legends, and sisters whose grace, charm, and magic will shine forever."
Grimma Mayor Tino Kießig said in a statement, per CNN: The town “mourns the loss of these two world-renowned personalities.”
What Happens Next
Italian broadcaster RAI announced special programming celebrating the twins' contribution to entertainment history, including reruns of classic performances.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available in the United States by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.
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