Kessler Twins Alice & Ellen Died at 89: Cause & Net Worth Revealed

Alice and Ellen Kessler, the famous German twin entertainers known as the Kessler Twins, died peacefully at their home in Grünwald, Bavaria, Germany on November 17, 2025, at the age of 89. Their cause of death was medically assisted suicide, a legal procedure in Germany under strict conditions. The twins chose this path together, ending their long lives as beloved cultural icons.

Who Were the Kessler Twins? A Legendary Entertainment Duo

Born in 1936 in Nerchau, East Germany, Alice and Ellen Kessler began performing as children in ballet with the Leipzig Opera. After leaving East Germany in 1952, they toured Europe and the United States, gaining fame for their synchronized dancing and singing. They rose to celebrity status especially in Italy during the golden age of television with popular shows like "Giardino d’inverno" and "Studio Uno." Their signature “Da-da-un-pa” dance routine made them nationally adored, earning the nickname “the nation’s legs.” Over decades, they worked with stars like Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire, captivating audiences worldwide.

Who Is Alice and Ellen

Alice and Ellen Kessler were German twin sisters born on August 20, 1936, in Nerchau, Saxony. Known together as the Kessler Twins, they gained fame as singers, dancers, and actresses, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. From a young age, they studied ballet and performed with the Leipzig Opera's child ballet program. In 1952, they fled East Germany with their family and began their professional entertainment careers in West Germany.

The twins performed at the Palladium in Düsseldorf and later at the famous Le Lido cabaret in Paris. They represented West Germany in the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in eighth place. Their career flourished in Italy where they became iconic TV stars, especially on the RAI show Studio Uno, and were known as "Le gemelle Kessler." They appeared on American television shows, acted in films, and were often celebrated for their synchronized dance routines.

The Kessler Twins never married and lived together their entire lives, returning to Germany in 1986 to settle in Grünwald, near Munich. They received multiple awards for their contributions to entertainment and the promotion of German-Italian cultural relations.

Alice and Ellen Kessler passed away peacefully together on November 17, 2025, at the age of 89, choosing to end their lives through medically assisted suicide as a deeply personal and planned decision.

The Cause of Death: Medically Assisted Suicide

The Kessler Twins opted for medically assisted suicide at their home near Munich. This choice was confirmed by authorities with no foul play suspected. Assisted suicide is permitted in Germany, but under stringent rules requiring the individual to decide freely and legally. The twins had planned this carefully, expressing the wish in their will to have their ashes placed together with their mother and beloved dog. Their dignified passing marks the end of an era for a legendary duo who remained inseparable in life and death.

REST IN PEACE 🕊️

Twin entertainers Alice and Ellen Kessler, who rose to fame in the 50s and 60s, have passed away on the same day at 89.

READ: https://t.co/dZ0Y8G4LWM pic.twitter.com/MqzJZJdBIH

— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) November 18, 2025

Kessler Twins Net Worth and Legacy

While exact figures regarding the net worth of Alice and Ellen Kessler have not been widely published, it is known that their decades-long successful careers in Europe, Italy especially, brought them significant earnings and awards. Both the German and Italian governments recognized them for their contributions to cultural exchange and entertainment. They never married and lived modestly in Grünwald, continuing to work well into their 80s before finally retiring. Their legacy lives on as pioneers in post-war European entertainment, inspiring many with their talent and perseverance.