The Sprouse Twins Today: From Child Stars to Independent Men
Dylan and Cole Sprouse once captured hearts as adorable child actors. Today, they’ve grown into accomplished individuals, navigating life and career on their own terms.
Born to Perform
Born in 1992, Dylan and Cole began acting before they could walk. At just 8 months old, they appeared in commercials and TV shows, often sharing roles due to child labor laws. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the Sprouse twins became Hollywood’s go-to duo.
Their first major role came in Grace Under Fire (1993–1998), where they played Patrick Kelly, the son of Brett Butler’s character. The twins aged on-screen from infants to six-year-olds, impressing audiences with their natural charm.
Stealing Scenes in Big Daddy
In 1999, the Sprouse twins starred alongside Adam Sandler in Big Daddy. Their clever timing and playful delivery made them scene-stealers.
Looking back, Cole told People in 2022, “I admire Sandler’s balance between art and commerce. He lifts up his friends, and that’s incredible.”
First Time Apart
From 2000 to 2002, Cole acted solo as Ben, Ross’s son, on Friends. It marked the first time the twins worked separately.
Cole especially remembers The One with the Holiday Armadillo. “I was infatuated with the costumes and effects,” he said. He also confessed to having a crush on Jennifer Aniston. “I blanked on my lines when she sat next to me,” he admitted in a TODAY interview.
Twinning Again—and Breaking Out
In 2002, the boys reunited for Master of Disguise, but soon began forging distinct identities.
Their biggest shared success came in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008). The Disney hit earned Emmy nominations and made them teen heartthrobs. The characters crossed into other Disney shows and even a movie.
Despite the fame, Cole began to feel robotic. “It was work,” he explained. “It got me to college, which was a huge gift. But now I enjoy acting on my own terms.”
College Life and Career Shifts
After the show ended, both brothers enrolled at New York University. Dylan studied video game design, while Cole focused on humanities and archaeology.
They graduated in 2015 and began taking separate career paths.
Cole’s Return to the Screen
Cole returned to TV in 2017, playing Jughead Jones on the hit teen drama Riverdale, based on Archie comics. The role reestablished him as a serious actor.
He’s also found love with French-Canadian model Ari Fournier.
Dylan’s New Direction
Meanwhile, Dylan explored creative ventures outside acting. He voices video game characters and co-founded All-Wise Meadery, a craft brewery in Brooklyn.
He’s also engaged to Barbara Palvin, a Sports Illustrated model. In a 2020 Us Weekly interview, he said, “It’s more likely I’ll write something for us than be approached for a twin project. Twin movies are rarely good.”
Moving Forward—Together and Apart
Though they no longer share roles, the bond between Dylan and Cole remains strong. They’ve grown from adorable twins into confident individuals—with very different paths.
Over two decades after Big Daddy, fans still follow their journeys. Whether on-screen or off, it’s clear both Sprouse brothers are still just getting started.
