The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of Alice and Ellen Kessler, the legendary German twin dancers who captivated international audiences in the 1950s and 1960s. The sisters, who were 89, died in a joint suicide at their shared home in Grünwald, a prosperous suburb of Munich, as confirmed by Munich police.
From Leipzig Opera to World Stages
The Kessler twins' remarkable journey began with dance lessons at a young age, leading them to the children's ballet at the Leipzig Opera. In 1952, when they were just 16, their family fled to West Germany. It was in Düsseldorf that they honed their craft in a revue theatre before being discovered in 1955 by the director of the famed Lido cabaret in Paris. This pivotal moment launched their international career into the stratosphere.
Performing with Legends and a Fateful Decision
Throughout the 1960s, the twins became a global phenomenon. After moving to Rome, they shared the stage with some of the biggest names in entertainment history, including Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Belafonte. Their fame was such that they even received an offer to appear with Elvis Presley in his 1964 film Viva Las Vegas. In a decisive career move, they turned it down, fearing that becoming associated with American musical films would typecast them.
Their dedication to performance was lifelong. Even at the age of 80, the sisters graced the stage in a musical. In an interview shortly before their 80th birthday, Alice Kessler reflected on their unique bond, stating that performing for so long would have been impossible alone. "Together you're stronger," she said, noting that being a twosome "only has advantages."
A Legacy of Discipline and Togetherness
When asked about the secret to their enduring success, Alice pinpointed a simple yet powerful formula: "Discipline, every day. Gratitude, time and again. Humility, not cockiness. And togetherness. Until death." This profound statement now stands as a fitting epitaph for two women whose extraordinary partnership, both on and off the stage, defined their lives and captivated the world for decades.
