Legendary Twin Stars of Europe, Kessler Sisters, Euthanized at 89

The legendary German twin entertainers Alice Kessler and Ellen Kessler, who dominated the European entertainment scene in the 1950s and 60s, passed away together at the age of 89 through euthanasia at their home in Grünwald near Munich, Germany on November 17 (local time).

The sisters' deaths were in accordance with their long-held wish to "end their lives together on the same day", and were carried out under Germany's euthanasia legalization law.

Carefully Prepared Joint Euthanasia for Over a Year

The German Society for Humanitarian Death (DGHS) stated that the Kessler sisters had been registered as members of the association for over a year, and their desire to leave the world together on a specific date was a decisive factor in their decision.

Association spokesperson Vega Wetzel explained, "The sisters' wish for death was carefully considered and had persisted for a long time, unrelated to any mental crisis", emphasizing that it was a choice based on the sisters' right to self-determination.

The Kessler sisters had previously expressed their heartfelt wish in a 2024 interview with an Italian media outlet, stating, "It is very hard to imagine one of us leaving first," and reiterated their desire to leave together on the same day.

From Escaping East Germany to Global Stars

Born in Nazi Germany in 1936, the Kessler sisters began dancing in their childhood and started their careers as professional entertainers after escaping from East Germany to West Germany in 1952.

They gained fame performing at the famous cabaret Lido in Paris and shared the stage with top stars of the time such as Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, and Harry Belafonte. In 1959, they represented West Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest and became familiar faces to American audiences through multiple appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show.

In particular, in 1963, they graced the cover of Life Magazine, solidifying their global fame with the title "The Sensation from Germany: The Kessler Twins".

Italy's 'National Twins'

The Kessler sisters enjoyed overwhelming popularity, especially in Italy, as evidenced by the Italian state broadcaster RAI deciding to rebroadcast old television shows they appeared in following their death, showing the deep love they received locally.

The two sisters lived in adjacent apartments in Grünwald, connected like mirrors, and spent their lives together, having lunch together every day at noon. They continued to be active until their later years, including performing in musicals from 2015 to 2016.

The sisters left a will requesting that their ashes be placed in a single urn with those of their mother Elza and their dog Yellow, and decided to donate their estate to Doctors Without Borders.

Germany legalized euthanasia under specific conditions based on individual self-determination rights following a decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2020, and the Kessler sisters' joint euthanasia was carried out with dignity under this law.