What Was The Net Worth Of Alice And Ellen Kessler? Who Will Inherit Their Fortune Without Any Kids

Germany's most iconic identical twin entertainers, Alice and Ellen Kessler, are once again in headlines after nearly 40 years since their exit from the spotlight. The 89-year-old sisters, who rose to fame in the 1950s and '60s as the popular 'Kessler Twins' have have died together by choosing medically assisted suicide on November 17, 2025, at their home in Grunwald near Munich.

The news was confirmed by the German Society for Humane Dying, which stated that the twins had long planned to leave the world together after living inseparable all their lives. Since the news has renewed public interest in them, find out the finances they left behind and who will get them.

How did The Kessler Twins build their wealth over five decades? 

The source of the Kessler Twins' financial success is mainly their diverse career in the entertainment world. It all began after they fled East Germany in 1952. According to German Archives, Alice and Ellen initially received training in ballet and cabaret before joining the Leipzig Opera, and then moved to West Germany. They began performing in their teens years and attracted large crowds at Düsseldorf's revue scene. Although the information about their initial financing is limited, they rose upto become some of the top review performers of their time. They earned thousands of Deutsche Marks every week, equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars in today's currency. 

The Kessler Twins' earnings grew significantly after 1959 when they represented West Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest. It brought them into wider European fame, new recording opportunities and attractive touring opportunities. According to German media reports, they earned royalties from vinyl sales and variety show appearances, which became their steady income sources throughout the 1960s.

However, their most profitable era began when they moved to Italy. According to Italian entertainment archives, Alice and Ellen Kessler's high-profile shows, such as Studio Uno, earned them salaries exceeding 50 million lire per season. It would be around USD 700,000 in today's time. Additionally, their endorsements with European brands, TV guest spots, and stage collaborations with global icons such as Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Harry Belafonte added to their wealth.

Until the 1970s, the Kessler Twins earned significant income from variety shows, international tours, and renewed television contacts in Germany and Italy. According to Finance Monthly, their net worth at the time of their passing is estimated to be between USD 1.1 million and USD 5.6 million. 

Who will inherit the Kessler Twins' wealth without any children?

Since neither Alice nor Ellen Kessler tied the knot or had any kids, fans are curious to know who would potentially inherit their wealth in the future. According to Bild, the sisters chose not to settle down with partners and instead remained lifelong companions. They even lived in adjoining apartments divided by only a sliding wall. Since German inheritance law imposes heavy taxes of up upto 50% on estates passed to non-relatives, DGHS and German legal commentators reveal that the Kessler Twins had already prepared a will.

According to reports, they had chosen to donate their wealth to philanthropy. Majorly of their assets will go to charitable causes, including humanitarian and animal welfare organisations. Such arrangements made before someone's death are entirely tax-free in Germany. Consequently, their entire wealth will be allocated to charitable causes, rather than to the state. 

Why did the Kessler Twins choose medically assisted suicide?

According to the DGHS, the sisters' decision was 'well-considered, long-standing and free from any psychiatric crisis. For those unaware, medically aided dying is legal in Germany since 2019, and Alice and Ellen had allegedly informed their close friends that living without one another would be 'too hard" for them. The authorities found no signs of foul play when they found the Kessler Twins after they died in their shared home. 

. Rest in peace, Alice and Ellen Kessler. 

Next Read:  When Alice Kessler One Of The Kessler Twins Expressed Her Wish To Get Mixed With Mom's Ashes

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