After filming years of memorable episodes as identical twins on the Disney television show, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” many wonder if Cole Sprouse really does have a twin–or just an incredibly convincing doppelgänger.
Cole Sprouse does, in fact, have an identical twin, named Dylan Sprouse. The brothers were born within fifteen minutes of each other, and they have fostered a special relationship ever since.
With successful acting careers, similar looks, and identical DNA, it is difficult to tell the two stars apart. However, they remain unique and have found special ways to support each other in all of their endeavors.
Sharing the Spotlight
As popular child actors, you likely saw the boys on the hit Disney television series, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” which was followed by “The Suite Life on Deck.” However, the boys were acting together long before appearing on these shows.
Due to strict child actor laws in Hollywood, the boys shared a few roles in their early childhood years. You might have seen them as the child on “Big Daddy,” or as Ross’ child, Ben, on “Friends.”
The brothers have shared that they never would have gotten into acting, had it not been for their mom’s introduction to the field. The family needed money, so their mom introduced the eight-month-old twins to the entertainment industry in California. Had it not been for her, we may have missed years of witty entertainment!
You can hear their personal thoughts on Adam Sandler and filming “Big Daddy” together in this 1999 MTV interview with the YouTube link below.
Beyond the Screen
The boys might have parted ways as they took on new acting roles in different films and television series, but they remained similar in their mindset. They did not want to follow the rebellious paths of many teen stars that leave the spotlight and struggle to adapt to a new sense of normalcy.
Instead, they enrolled in college at the prestigious New York University, known as NYU. The goal was to “fade out peacefully,” relating to the acting industry.
Both brothers had successful careers at NYU, graduating with honors. Their college careers were similar to American young adults across the country, involved in clubs, difficult majors, late night video games, and even waiting tables.
Dylan Sprouse used his outgoing personality and worked at a local restaurant, a positive experience that he says introduced him to new people, allowed him to socialize, and get out of the house.
However, their seemingly “normal” college careers did not end this way. The brothers pulled off the classic identical twin switch at their NYU graduation, receiving each others’ diplomas.
The fun-loving twins suggested that their college education was not a step backward, but a step in a “new direction” as they are still interested in acting along the way.
Where Are They Now?
Since graduating from NYU, Cole Sprouse has remained active in the entertainment industry. You might have seen him in the popular TV show, “Riverdale,” where Cole plays the character, Jughead.
Dylan, on the other hand, has not been as prominent in acting. He was most recently seen on the indie thriller, “Dismissed,” in 2017, but he has made it clear that acting is no longer his primary career.
In his freshman year dorm, Dylan found a passion for brewing mead, which he now claims is a passion more than a hobby. Dylan graduated from NYU with a specialized degree in video game design, but went on to open All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, New York.
Not sure what mead is? He will gladly tell you more about its origin, history, different types, and everything you need to know about his business here.
While the boys have taken different career paths, one thing is for sure–they maintain an unwavering support for one another in anything the other pursues. The foundation of a truly wonderful brotherly love.