Alice Kessler

Alice and Ellen Kessler, born on August 20, 1936, in Nerchau, Saxony, Germany, are renowned twin performers celebrated for their contributions to singing, dancing, and acting throughout Europe, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Commonly referred to as the Kessler Twins (Die Kessler-Zwillinge in Germany and Le Gemelle Kessler in Italy), they have maintained enduring popularity in these regions.

The Kessler sisters gained considerable fame in the United States, showcasing their talents on major television platforms including The Ed Sullivan Show and making their American debut on The Red Skelton Hour. In 1963, they featured as dancers in the film Sodom and Gomorrah and graced the cover of Life Magazine, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

Their artistic journey began early, with their parents enrolling them in ballet classes at six. They joined the Leipzig Opera's child ballet program at eleven. At eighteen, the sisters escaped to West Germany, where they captivated audiences at the Palladium in Düsseldorf. Their international acclaim grew during their tenure at The Lido in Paris (1955-1960), where they famously met Elvis Presley. In 1959, they represented West Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing eighth with the song "Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh'n."

Relocating to Italy in 1960, the Kessler Twins starred in the popular RAI variety show Studio Uno from 1961 to 1966. At forty, they made headlines by posing for the cover of the Italian Playboy, which became the best-selling issue in the magazine's history in Italy. They returned to Germany in 1986 and reside in Grünwald, having received honors from both German and Italian governments for fostering cultural cooperation through their entertainment career.