The Sprouse Twins at 30: Where Are Dylan and Cole Today?
Dylan and Cole Sprouse, the beloved identical twins who first charmed audiences nearly 25 years ago, have come a long way since their breakout role as the adorable Julian in Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler.
Now 30 years old, the Sprouse brothers may be walking different paths, but their bond remains as strong as ever.
Early Start in the Spotlight
Born in 1992, the twins began their acting careers at just 8 months old, sharing roles in commercials, television shows, and films.
Their early years mirrored the trajectory of other famous twin duos, like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Due to child labor laws that limit work hours for minors, having identical twins play the same role has long been a practical advantage in Hollywood.
Their first major role came on the hit sitcom Grace Under Fire (1993–1998), where the brothers shared the role of Patrick Kelly, son of the lead character played by Brett Butler.
Even back then, critics noted their potential as the next big twin sensation.
Their big-screen debut in Big Daddy (1999) showcased their natural comedic timing and charisma.
Reflecting on his experience with Adam Sandler, Cole later told People in 2022, “He’s someone I’ve always admired. He balances art and business in a way I truly respect.”
Finding Their Individual Identities
From 2000 to 2002, Cole appeared solo in a recurring role as Ben, Ross Geller’s son, on the iconic series Friends.
This marked the first time the twins worked separately. Cole fondly remembers filming “The One with the Holiday Armadillo,” and even confessed to TODAY that he had a childhood crush on Jennifer Aniston, recalling how nervous he felt on set.
By 2002, the brothers were back together again, sharing roles in The Master of Disguise.
But as they matured, Dylan and Cole began to develop unique interests and goals.
Disney Fame and a Shift to Education
The twins reached new heights of fame with Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which aired from 2005 to 2008.
The show, along with its spinoffs and guest appearances in series like Hannah Montana, made them household names and teen heartthrobs.
Despite their stardom, the Sprouse brothers made a bold decision to step away from Hollywood and focus on their education.
Both enrolled at New York University, where Dylan studied video game design and Cole pursued humanities and archaeology.
“I needed a break to gain perspective,” Cole later shared. “I wanted to return to acting on my own terms.”
He described the Disney years as rewarding but intense, referring to the experience as feeling like “a machine.”
Separate Careers, Shared Values
After graduating in 2015, the twins began forging their own paths.
Cole returned to acting full-time, landing a leading role as Jughead Jones on the CW’s hit series Riverdale (2017–2023), inspired by the Archie comics.
Off-screen, he is in a relationship with model Ari Fournier.
Meanwhile, Dylan has been involved in voice work for video games and founded All-Wise Meadery, a Brooklyn-based brewery.
He is engaged to model and actress Barbara Palvin, whom he has been dating since 2018.
In a 2020 interview with US Weekly, Dylan expressed interest in creating a future project that could reunite him with Cole on-screen.
“It’s more likely I’ll create something for us than wait for someone else to come up with it.
View this post on Instagram
Twin movies rarely work, but if we find the right story, absolutely.”
What’s Next for the Sprouse Twins?
From child stars to college graduates and creative professionals, Dylan and Cole Sprouse have successfully transitioned into adulthood with grace and independence.
While they may no longer share every screen, their foundation of mutual respect and deep connection remains unchanged.
After more than two decades in the spotlight, their journey continues — individually and together.
Fans can only wait with anticipation to see what these talented twins will do next.
