The Sprouse Brothers: A Dynamic Duo
Dylan and Cole Sprouse understand that sometimes it takes two. The adorable identical twins, who won our hearts nearly 25 years ago in Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler, have grown into handsome 32-year-old men. Though they’re no longer as attached as they once were, they remain very close.
Early Beginnings
Born in 1992, the charming blond boys began sharing roles at just 8 months old. They appeared in commercials, TV shows, and films. Hollywood loves identical twins because child labor laws limit how long child actors can work. For the Sprouse brothers, having two was better than one.
Breakout Roles
Their big break came in the TV series Grace Under Fire, where they played the son of Brett Butler’s character from 1993 to 1998. The twins transitioned from infants to six-year-olds, sharing the role of Patrick Kelly. Tim Grey of Variety wrote, “As Grace’s 8-month-old, it’s impossible to tell if Dylan and Cole Sprouse are the Olsen twins of tomorrow.”
In 1999, they stole the show in Big Daddy as Sandler’s adopted son. Their playful performances and perfectly timed lines captivated audiences.
Reflections on a Mentor
In a 2022 interview with People, Cole praised Sandler, saying, “I admire his career. He balances art and commerce, which is crucial for a working actor.” He added, “He raises up all his friends, which I think is incredible.”
Branching Out
From 2000 to 2002, the brothers split for a while. Cole starred as Ben, Ross Geller’s son, on Friends. He took on this role alone, marking his first time acting without Dylan. Cole fondly recalls, “I was infatuated with the costumes and practical effects.”
He also developed a crush on his co-star, Jennifer Aniston. Cole admitted to TODAY, “I fell in love with her, and I was quite intimidated. I blanked on my lines when she sat next to me.”
Reunion and Growth
In 2002, Dylan and Cole reunited in Master of Disguise, sharing the role of Pistachio Disguisey. During this time, they began to carve out their individual identities.
Their major role as Zach and Cody in The Suite Life of Zach & Cody launched in 2005. This Emmy-nominated Disney show ran for three seasons. Afterward, the brothers expanded their characters into other Disney shows, like Hannah Montana, and starred in The Suite Life Movie.
College and New Directions
Despite their teenage heartthrob status, the level-headed twins pursued education at New York University. Dylan studied video game design, while Cole focused on humanities and archaeology.
“I needed to take a break and gain a new perspective,” Cole explained. He felt the long-running series made him feel like a machine. “I’m glad to be acting on my own accord now.”
Individual Paths
Both graduated in 2015, and Cole returned to television, this time without his brother. Their distinct personalities now guide them on separate journeys.
Since 2017, Cole has starred as Jughead Jones in Riverdale, a supernatural drama based on Archie Comics. He is currently dating French-Canadian model Ari Fournier, whom he met over two years ago.
Dylan, on the other hand, voices video game characters and is engaged to Sports Illustrated model Barbara Palvin. He also co-founded All-Wise Meadery, a craft brewery in Brooklyn, NY.
Looking Ahead
In a 2020 interview with US Weekly, Dylan shared, “I’d rather write something for us to work on together. Twin movies rarely succeed.”
It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since we first saw the adorable Sprouse twins in Big Daddy. Both brothers have accomplished amazing things inside and outside of Hollywood, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!
