Alice and Ellen Kessler, celebrated as the "most beautiful twins in the world," passed away on 17/11 at the age of 89 by euthanasia, Euronews reported. Towards the end of their lives, they resided in a shared home in Grünwald, a suburb of Munich, Germany. Their decision to choose the timing of their death was pre-planned with the support of lawyers and doctors, aligning with Germany's Supreme Court ruling in 2020 that affirmed the right to euthanasia (the right to choose the time of death).

"Going together is what we wished for," Ellen once shared her heartfelt desire on the Bild website. "We want our ashes to be in the same urn, placed next to our mother's and our beloved dog's ashes." This poignant statement underscored their lifelong bond and shared destiny.

Across various global forums, audiences are resharing iconic photographs of the two sisters that captivated the world during the 1950s-1960s. This period saw them achieve international fame as singers, dancers, actresses, and models, making them a significant cultural phenomenon.

The Kessler Twins performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1966. *Video: Youtube/The Ed Sullivan Show*.

The two sisters adopted the stage name Kessler Twins, and their story remains unique in entertainment history: they were born on the same day, shared a professional career, and ultimately passed away on the same day.

Born in 1936 in Nerchau, Alice and Ellen began ballet lessons at the age of 6. A pivotal moment arrived in 1955 when Pierre-Louis Guerin, director of the Lido theater in Paris, brought the 19-year-old girls to the stage on the Champs-Elysees. This marked a significant turning point in their budding careers.

Their influence expanded further in 1962 when the Kessler Twins moved to Italy. There, they became pioneers in fashion and beauty trends, setting new standards with their distinctive style. Their musical performances also created a sensation, solidifying their status as European cultural trendsetters.

The sisters even set a record when featured in Playboy magazine's Italy edition, with all copies selling out within three hours of release, demonstrating their immense popularity.

Throughout their career, the Kessler Twins garnered numerous performance awards, exerting significant influence in the European art scene and leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Despite their fame, Alice and Ellen both never married. They revealed that trauma from an alcoholic and abusive father in their youth led them to opt for a single life. While Alice experienced deep romantic relationships, she consistently stated that her bond with her twin sister was eternal, transcending all other connections.

At the artists' funeral, relatives shared a touching tribute: "Alice and Ellen, just as they shared their lives, finally held hands and closed their eyes, never to be separated."

By Nhu Anh.

*Photos: Vintage Everyday*.