Ellen Kessler, born on August 20, 1936, in Nerchau, Germany, alongside her twin sister Alice, is one of the most iconic figures in European entertainment. Known as one half of the Kessler Twins, Ellen Kessler has had a long and successful career as a dancer, actress, and singer, gaining fame not only in her native Germany but also in France, Italy, and beyond. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Ellen Kessler’s life, highlighting her rise to fame, career milestones, and lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Ellen Kessler was born into a modest family in Nerchau, a small town in what was then East Germany. From an early age, both Ellen and her sister Alice showed a strong interest in dance, which led their parents to enroll them in dance classes when they were just six years old. The twins quickly demonstrated a natural talent for ballet and other forms of dance, which became a central focus of their young lives.
Growing up in post-war Germany was challenging, particularly in the East, where the Soviet influence was strong. Despite the difficulties of life under a repressive regime, the Kessler twins pursued their passion for dance with determination. By their teenage years, they were enrolled in the youth program of the Leipzig Opera House, where they received formal training in ballet and performance.
However, life in East Germany proved too restrictive for the ambitious twins. At the age of 18, Ellen and Alice made the bold decision to flee to West Germany, seeking greater opportunities and freedom. This move marked the beginning of their professional careers and set the stage for their rise to international fame.
The Move to West Germany and Early Career
After escaping to West Germany, Ellen and Alice Kessler began their professional careers as dancers in Düsseldorf, performing at the Palladium, a popular entertainment venue. Their talent and beauty quickly caught the attention of talent scouts, and soon the twins were offered the opportunity to perform in Paris, the entertainment capital of Europe at the time.
From 1955 to 1960, Ellen and Alice were part of the famous Bluebell Girls, a troupe of dancers at the Lido de Paris. The Bluebell Girls were known for their elaborate, glamorous performances, and the Kessler twins became two of the most popular members of the group. During this time, Ellen and Alice also began making appearances in films, further expanding their public profile.
The twins’ film debut came in the late 1950s, with roles in movies such as Solang es hübsche Mädchen gibt by Arthur Maria Rabenalt, La garçonne by Jacqueline Audry, and Tabarin by Richard Pottier, where they acted alongside Michel Piccoli. These roles helped establish Ellen and Alice as rising stars in European cinema, known for their grace and charisma on screen.
Eurovision and the Move to Italy
In 1959, Ellen and Alice Kessler represented West Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Heute Abend wollen wir tanzen geh’n.” Although they finished in eighth place, the performance further solidified their popularity in Europe. Following their success at Eurovision, the twins decided to move to Italy, a country that would play a significant role in their careers.
Italy in the early 1960s was a vibrant hub of entertainment, with television becoming a major cultural force. Ellen and Alice made their Italian television debut in 1961, when they were cast by renowned director Antonello Falqui in the variety show Giardino d’inverno. The program featured a star-studded lineup, including the orchestra of maestro Gorni Kramer, the Quartetto Cetra, and Henri Salvador. Ellen and Alice quickly became audience favorites with their captivating dance performances and charming on-screen presence.
Their success on Giardino d’inverno led to further opportunities in Italian television. In 1962, they starred in Studio Uno, a groundbreaking variety show that became a cultural phenomenon. The opening theme song, “Da-da-un-pa,” became an instant hit, and the Kessler twins became household names in Italy. Their elegant dance routines, choreographed by Don Lurio, set a new standard for television entertainment in the country.
Film Career and Continued Success in Italy
Ellen and Alice Kessler’s popularity in Italy extended beyond television. They also became sought-after actresses in Italian cinema. In the early 1960s, they appeared in several successful films, including Le bellissime gambe di Sabrina by Camillo Mastrocinque, La francese e l’amore by Christian-Jaque, René Clair, and Michel Boisrond, and Rocco e le sorelle by Giorgio Simonelli. These roles showcased the twins’ versatility as performers, allowing them to transition seamlessly between dance, acting, and singing.
One of their most notable film appearances during this period was in the 1963 Hollywood epic Sodom and Gomorrah, directed by Robert Aldrich. The film’s international success further boosted their profile, leading to their appearance on the cover of the prestigious magazine Life in 1964. The same year, they joined the cast of Biblioteca di Studio Uno, a television series directed by Antonello Falqui, in which they played the roles of sirens in an episode based on Homer’s Odyssey.
Throughout the 1960s, Ellen and Alice continued to dominate the Italian entertainment scene. They released several hit singles, including “La notte è piccola,” which became the theme song for Studio Uno. The song’s catchy melody and the twins’ lively performance made it one of the defining hits of the decade in Italy.
The Later Years: Return to Germany and Ongoing Legacy
As the 1970s approached, Ellen and Alice Kessler remained at the forefront of European entertainment. They continued to appear on television, in films, and on stage, both in Italy and abroad. In 1974, they starred in Milleluci, a variety show hosted by Italian icons Mina and Raffaella Carrà, further cementing their status as legends of Italian television.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the twins gradually reduced their activities in Italy and returned to Germany, where they continued to work in television and theater. Despite the changing entertainment landscape, Ellen and Alice Kessler maintained their popularity, particularly among the older generations who remembered their heyday in the 1960s and 1970s.
One of the highlights of their later career was their appearance on the Italian television show Una rotonda sul mare in 1989. The show was a nostalgic celebration of Italy’s golden age of television, and the Kessler twins were honored guests, performing some of their most famous routines to the delight of the audience.
In the 2000s, Ellen and Alice Kessler continued to make occasional television appearances. In 2004, they joined the cast of Super Ciro, a comedy show on Italia 1, where they performed alongside popular Italian comedians Luca Bizzarri and Paolo Kessisoglu. Their participation in the show introduced them to a new generation of viewers, reaffirming their status as timeless entertainers.
Personal Life and Legacy
Throughout their careers, Ellen and Alice Kessler have maintained a strong bond, both professionally and personally. Their close relationship has been a defining feature of their success, allowing them to present a united front in an often challenging industry. Despite their fame, the twins have largely kept their private lives out of the spotlight, focusing instead on their careers and artistic pursuits.
Ellen Kessler, like her sister, remains a beloved figure in European entertainment. Her contributions to the arts, particularly in dance and television, have left an indelible mark on the industry. The Kessler twins’ influence can be seen in the many performers who have followed in their footsteps, inspired by their elegance, talent, and professionalism.
Conclusion
Ellen Kessler’s life and career are a testament to the power of talent, determination, and a little bit of luck. From their early days in East Germany to their rise as international stars, Ellen and Alice Kessler have captivated audiences with their performances, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to their artistic roots. As we look back on the life and achievements of Ellen Kessler, we celebrate not just her contributions to dance and television but also the joy and inspiration she has brought to countless fans around the world.
Ellen Kessler, alongside her sister Alice, continues to be remembered as a symbol of grace and glamour, a true icon of European entertainment whose influence transcends borders and generations.
