German sisters Alice and Ellen Kessler, famously known as the Kessler Twins, were beloved entertainers who rose to popularity in the 1950s and ’60s. Unfortunately, the siblings chose to end their lives in November 2025 through joint assisted suicide, the German Society for Humane Dying confirmed after news of their deaths broke.
“They had been considering this option for some time,” the organization said in a statement in English, according to NBC News.
Below, learn more about the late Kessler Twins, their start in entertainment and their careers.
The Kessler Twins were known for their singing and dancing talent. They were born on August 20, 1936, in Germany and trained as ballet dancers until their family moved from East Germany to West Germany. Upon commencing their performance careers, Alice and Ellen became a global fan-favorite act.
By the early 1960s, the sisters were living in Italy and appeared on the cover of the Italian edition of Playboy. In America, Alice and Ellen received generous attention as well and appeared on programs such as The Ed Sullivan Show to showcase their talent.
Alice and Ellen died by joint assisted suicide, the German Society for Humane Dying confirmed in a statement in English.
“They had been considering this option for some time. They had been members of the organization for over a year,” the society said. “A lawyer and a doctor conducted preliminary discussions with them.”
