It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 25 years since Dylan and Cole Sprouse first captured hearts in Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler. The identical twin brothers, once known for their playful charm as child stars, are now accomplished adults with careers that have evolved in exciting ways.
Born in 1992, the Sprouse twins got their start in the entertainment industry before they could even walk. At just 8 months old, they began sharing roles in TV shows and commercials—a common practice in Hollywood due to labor laws that limit the number of hours young children can work. Their early work included the sitcom Grace Under Fire, where from 1993 to 1998 they portrayed the same character, Patrick Kelly, growing from infants into talkative toddlers on screen.
But it was their breakout role in Big Daddy (1999) that truly launched them into the spotlight. As the adorable son of Adam Sandler’s character, the twins shared the role and delivered lines with perfect comedic timing. Looking back, Cole shared his admiration for Sandler in a 2022 interview with People, saying, “He’s got a wonderful balance between art and commerce… and he lifts up all his friends at the same time.”
From 2000 to 2002, the duo briefly went their separate ways professionally when Cole was cast as Ross Geller’s son, Ben, on Friends. It marked the first time one of the twins acted without the other. Reflecting on that time, Cole recalled how memorable the holiday-themed episode “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” was for him—and even admitted to having a childhood crush on Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel.
In 2002, the brothers reunited on screen in Master of Disguise, once again sharing a role. Soon after, they stepped into their most iconic television roles yet—as Zack and Cody in the Disney Channel hit The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which premiered in 2005. The show ran for three seasons and became a fan favorite, eventually leading to spinoffs and appearances in other Disney projects.
As their fame grew, so did their desire for balance. After wrapping up their Disney years, the twins made the decision to attend New York University. Dylan studied video game design, while Cole majored in humanities and archaeology. The experience gave them a chance to reflect and grow outside of Hollywood.
“I needed a dose of reality and to see myself in a more objective light,” Cole once said. “Now I can enjoy acting, which is a fundamental part of being an actor.”
After graduating in 2015, the brothers began pursuing their own individual careers. Cole returned to television as Jughead Jones in Riverdale, the popular teen drama based on the Archie comics. Meanwhile, Dylan focused on voice work in video games, writing, and launching All-Wise Meadery, a craft meadery based in Brooklyn, New York.
In their personal lives, both have found happiness. Cole has been in a relationship with model Ari Fournier, while Dylan is engaged to Barbara Palvin, a model known for her work with Sports Illustrated. In a 2020 interview with US Weekly, Dylan said that while they aren’t actively seeking roles together, he could see writing something for both of them one day. “Twin movies are never easy,” he joked, “but if the right project comes along, we’d love to work together again.”
From shared toddler roles to grown-up careers and passions, Dylan and Cole Sprouse have come a long way. Their journey from childhood stardom to independent success is a reminder of how far determination, creativity, and staying true to yourself can take you.
We’re excited to see where their paths lead next.
