Born on a sunny summer day, August 20, 1936, in the charming town of Nerchau, nestled in the picturesque region of Saxony, Germany, Alice and Ellen Kessler, identical twin sisters, emerged as a dynamic duo, captivating audiences across Europe, with a special affinity for Germany and Italy, during the 1950s and 1960s, a period marked by glamour, excitement, and the rise of popular culture.
The Kessler Twins, a dynamic duo of extraordinary talent, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with their electrifying performances that seamlessly blended singing, dancing, and acting. Their mesmerizing presence captivated audiences worldwide, with their fame transcending borders to reach the United States, where they made a significant impact by appearing on esteemed television programs, including the iconic The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Kesslers, a duo of accomplished performers, initially ventured into the realm of American television by making a notable appearance on the renowned program, The Red Skelton Hour, a popular and influential variety show that showcased a diverse range of entertainment.
Subsequently, their talents were showcased in the 1963 film, Sodom and Gomorrah, a cinematic production that further solidified their reputation as skilled artists.
In addition to their television and film endeavors, the Kesslers' exceptional abilities were featured prominently on the cover of Life Magazine in 1963, a prestigious publication that highlighted the most talented and innovative individuals of the time, thereby cementing their status as accomplished performers.
Their parents, Paul and Elsa, made the decision to enroll them in ballet classes at the tender age of six, marking the beginning of their journey in the world of dance. As they grew older, they joined the esteemed Leipzig Opera's child ballet program at the age of 11, providing them with a unique opportunity to hone their craft alongside other young aspiring dancers.
However, as they approached adulthood, the situation in their homeland became increasingly precarious. When they turned 18, their parents made the courageous decision to use a visitor's visa to escape to the relative safety of West Germany. This bold move allowed them to start anew and pursue their passion for dance in a more open and accepting environment.
It was in West Germany that they had the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Palladium in Düsseldorf, a moment that would likely be etched in their memory forever. This experience not only allowed them to showcase their talents but also provided them with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed sense of purpose.
The identical siblings relocated to the City of Light, where they embarked on a remarkable journey as performers at the illustrious Lido cabaret from 1955 to 1960. Amidst their tenure in the French capital, they had the privilege of encountering the legendary American rock and roll icon, Elvis Presley, in the year 1959. Furthermore, they had the distinction of representing West Germany in the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest held in 1959, where they showcased their vocal talents with the song "Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh'n".
As the year 1960 unfolded, a pivotal decision was made to relocate to Italy, marking the beginning of a transformative period in their career. Over time, they began to shift their focus towards more substantial and mature roles, gradually leaving behind their earlier endeavors.
It was during their time in Italy that they experienced a surge in popularity, largely attributed to their recurring appearances on the esteemed RAI television variety show Studio Uno. This esteemed platform, which they had the privilege of gracing from 1961 to 1966, played a significant role in cementing their status as a beloved household name within the Italian entertainment landscape.
At the tender age of 40, they made the bold decision to grace the cover of the Italian edition of Playboy, a move that would ultimately yield astonishing results. The publication went on to become the fastest-selling Italian Playboy issue to that date, a testament to the enduring allure and appeal of the individual in question.
Following their Playboy stint, they returned to their native Germany in 1986, where they currently reside in the picturesque town of Grünwald.
The Kessler Twins, a dynamic duo of entertainers, have had the esteemed honor of receiving not one, but two prestigious awards each from both the German government and the Italian government, in recognition of their tireless efforts to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations through their exceptional work in the entertainment industry.
