Ellen Kessler

Ellen Kessler, born on August 20, 1936, in Nerchau, Saxony, Germany, is one half of the renowned twin duo, Alice and Ellen Kessler, celebrated entertainers primarily recognized in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, during the 1950s and 1960s. Known collectively as the Kessler Twins (Die Kessler-Zwillinge in Germany and Le Gemelle Kessler in Italy), the sisters captivated audiences with their exceptional talents in singing, dancing, and acting.

Their television appearances extended beyond Europe, gaining traction in the United States with memorable performances on programs like The Ed Sullivan Show and debuting on CBS's The Red Skelton Hour. Notably, they showcased their dance skills in the film Sodom and Gomorrah in 1963, a year that also saw them grace the cover of Life Magazine.

Initiating their artistic journey at a young age, the twins took ballet classes and joined the Leipzig Opera's child ballet by age 11. After escaping to West Germany at 18, they performed at the Palladium in Düsseldorf and became stars at The Lido in Paris from 1955 to 1960. They proudly represented West Germany in the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing eighth with their performance of “Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh'n.”

Relocating to Italy in 1960, they gained immense popularity through the RAI variety show Studio Uno from 1961 to 1966. At age 40, they made headlines by appearing on the cover of the Italian Playboy, which became the fastest-selling issue at that time. Returning to Germany in 1986, they reside in Grünwald and have been honored with awards from both the German and Italian governments for their contributions to cultural exchange through entertainment.