Kessler Twins Pass Away in Assisted Suicide
Alice and Ellen Kessler, the famous twin entertainment duo, passed away on Monday at the age of 89 through assisted suicide at their home in Grünwald, Germany.
The Kessler twins, who rose to fame in the 1950s, reached out to the German Humane Death Society (DGHS) more than a year ago.
German police confirmed to the media that “a deployment took place yesterday,” although they didn’t elaborate on the circumstances.
Wega Wetzel, a spokesperson for DGHS, mentioned that the sisters seemed to have a mutual desire to pass away together on a particular day, although the precise reasons for their deaths were not entirely clear.
According to Wetzel, their decision to die was well considered, with no psychological crises involved—a sentiment she emphasized.
In a previous interview with an Italian newspaper, the twins had remarked about their intention to depart this world on the same day, expressing that it would be unbearable for one to survive the other.
Known for their striking appearances and talent, the twins lived in adjoining mirrored apartments and frequently received offers to return to television, but they showed no interest in coming back. “We have decided not to do anything anymore; that is our choice,” they stated.
The Kessler sisters explained, “Why show up when you can’t do the things you could do just ten years ago? We just don’t want to be seen anymore.” They emphasized the importance of recognizing when to step back from the spotlight.
When asked if they still danced together, they replied no, explaining that at their age, it was better not to dance than to do it poorly.
Alice and Ellen requested that their ashes be placed in the same urn with their mother and beloved dog.
Born on August 20, 1936, in Nerhau, Gausaxony, the twins began dancing at a classical ballet school before leaving East Germany in 1952 to pursue their careers.
They represented Germany at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest and made various television and film appearances. They even graced the cover of a 1976 issue of Playboy, which was a sensational success.
Euthanasia is permitted in several European nations, with mental health issues increasingly cited as reasons for it. In the Netherlands, for instance, a notable rise in assisted suicides based on psychological distress is anticipated over the coming years.
Under Dutch law, individuals facing “unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement” qualify for assisted dying, provided they are knowledgeable and capable of making informed choices.
In Germany, where the Kessler twins chose to end their lives, euthanasia is also legal, assuming no external pressures were placed on the individuals involved.
