These identical twins, who first captured our hearts nearly 25 years ago with their adorable performance as the clever little boy in Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler, have grown into mature and multi-talented individuals. They’re no longer the child actors we once knew—they’re now 30 years old, navigating their own separate careers while maintaining a strong and supportive bond as brothers.
Born in 1992, Dylan and Cole began acting together when they were just eight months old, sharing roles in commercials, TV shows, and films. Their early start in show business mirrored the path of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, another iconic set of twins who made it big in Hollywood. Twins are often in high demand in the entertainment industry due to child labor laws that limit the number of hours minors can work. For casting directors, hiring twins allows for longer production schedules without overworking a single child. For Dylan and Cole, this made them a valuable asset early in their careers.
Their first major break came with the television sitcom Grace Under Fire, where they alternated in the role of Patrick Kelly, the young son of the lead character Grace, played by Brett Butler. From 1993 to 1998, audiences watched them grow from infants into energetic six-year-olds, and their performance quickly caught the attention of producers and fans alike. As Variety’s Tim Grey once remarked, “As Grace’s 8-month-old, it’s hard to say if Dylan and Cole Sprouse will become the next Olsen twins.”
Their big-screen breakout came in 1999, when they shared the role of Julian in Big Daddy, the sweet and mischievous boy adopted by Adam Sandler’s character. The twins wowed audiences with their comedic timing and charm, proving they were much more than cute faces—they had real talent. In a 2022 interview with People, Cole praised Sandler, saying, “I might be a little biased since I’ve known him for so long, but I truly admire his career. He balances art and commerce so well, and I think that’s key to longevity as an actor. He’s also incredibly supportive of his friends, which is something I really respect.”
From 2000 to 2002, the twins briefly went their separate ways professionally. Cole landed the role of Ben Geller, Ross’s son, on the wildly popular TV series Friends. This marked the first time he acted without Dylan by his side. Looking back, Cole shared that one of his favorite episodes was “The One with the Holiday Armadillo,” noting how fascinated he was by the costumes and special effects. He also confessed that he had a major crush on Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel. “I think I fell in love with Jennifer Aniston, just like everyone else did at that time,” he admitted during an interview with TODAY. “I remember being so nervous around her that I forgot my lines when she sat next to me on the couch.”
In 2002, the twins reunited for the comedy Master of Disguise, sharing the role of young Pistachio Disguisey. Around this time, their individual personalities began to emerge more distinctly, setting the stage for the divergent paths they would eventually follow.
That turning point came when they starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, a Disney Channel series that ran from 2005 to 2008 and earned an Emmy nomination. The show turned them into teen heartthrobs, and their fame skyrocketed. They later reprised their roles in spinoffs like The Suite Life on Deck and The Suite Life Movie, as well as guest appearances on shows like Hannah Montana, which featured Miley Cyrus.
Despite their success, the brothers were grounded enough to prioritize education. Both enrolled at New York University after their Disney days—Dylan studied video game design, while Cole pursued humanities and archaeology. Cole later explained that he needed time away from acting to reflect. “I realized I needed to step back and gain some perspective,” he said. “I wanted a reality check—to see myself more clearly. Now, I’m ready to enjoy acting on my own terms. That’s such an important part of being an actor. During the Disney years, it often felt mechanical. It was a job that paid for college, which I’m incredibly grateful for. But now I’m doing it because I love it.”
After graduating in 2015, Cole returned to acting without his brother and took on the role of Jughead Jones in Riverdale, a dark, supernatural teen drama inspired by the Archie comics. Since 2017, he’s played a major role in the show’s success. Outside of acting, he’s currently in a relationship with French-Canadian model Ari Fournier, whom he’s been dating for over two years.
Dylan, meanwhile, has chosen a different path. He has focused on voice work for video games and co-founded All-Wise Meadery, a craft mead brewery based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition, he’s engaged to Barbara Palvin, a model known for her appearances in Sports Illustrated.
Despite their professional separation, the twins remain close. In a 2020 interview with US Weekly, Dylan hinted at the possibility of a reunion. “I think it’s more likely that I’ll create something for us to collaborate on, rather than waiting for someone else to bring it to us,” he said. “Movies about twins don’t always turn out great—that’s just a universal truth. But if we find the right project, absolutely, I’d love to work with Cole again.”
It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since the Sprouse twins first delighted audiences in Big Daddy. From child stars to accomplished adults, they’ve both made incredible strides—both inside and outside the entertainment industry. Whether they’re starring in hit shows, running businesses, or exploring creative passions, Dylan and Cole continue to evolve. And while their careers may have taken different routes, their journey is still very much intertwined. We can’t wait to see where their next chapter leads.
