The Kessler Twins’ Final Act: A Graceful Farewell to an Inseparable Duo

The Kessler twins final act came on Monday when Alice and Ellen Kessler, the German-born entertainers who became stars of post-war European television, ended their lives together at the age of 89. Their deaths, at their home near Munich, were carried out through Germany’s legal process of medical aid in dying.

The sisters, who rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, had spoken openly in later years about wishing to leave the world together. According to reports, they “no longer wanted to live” and had made the decision jointly. Police were notified after the process was completed.

Medical aid in dying has been legal in Germany since 2019. Under this system, patients self-administer prescribed medication at the end of life, a distinction explained by organisations offering guidance on the subject.

The twins’ long careers defined a particular moment in European popular culture. In Italy, they became household names known as “the legs of the nation”, a nod to their elegance and precision as dancers. Their appearances on stage and television made them symbols of post-war optimism, and they remained widely recognised long after their peak years.

Radio Monte Carlo’s tribute captured the essence of their legacy. “Alice and Ellen Kessler left together, just as they lived: inseparable,” the statement read. “A unique artistic couple, capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the collective imagination.”

Earlier this year, the Kessler twins told the German press that they wished to be buried in the same urn. Their ashes will now be interred alongside their mother Elsa and their dog Yello, completing a final chapter they had long envisaged.

Their contribution to continental entertainment, particularly in Germany and Italy, is still warmly remembered. For many, the twins embodied a sense of style and grace that shaped an era. Their final act, chosen together after nearly nine decades at one another’s side, reflects a bond that remained unbroken, on and off stage.

For reviews, interviews and features from London’s arts scene, follow EyeOnLondon for intelligent coverage that keeps you in the know.

[Image Credit | The People]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!