Angelic Twins Stole Hearts as Kids—Their Return from the Shadows Has Everyone Talking
Users Say These Angelic Twins Looked ‘Cuter’ as Kids—What Happened to Them after They Briefly Disappeared from the Limelight?
See the incredible journey of two well-known twins—from baby-faced child performers to adult men who had to endure the less glamorous side of Hollywood—and learn why others on social media felt that they were more adorable as children after their recent shocking look.
As young actors, these well-known twins won hearts with their indisputable charisma and striking similarity. However, as the years went by, the couple’s path in Hollywood took an unsettling turn.
One disclosed the psychological effects of growing up in the spotlight, while the other was subjected to body shaming by a Disney official when he was a teenager. Social media users noted the twins’ change, with many remarking that they were cuter as children and that they now appear less alike.
Explore the captivating images that document their incredible metamorphosis over time and discover how they’ve evolved—both internally and externally—since taking a backseat to the limelight.
Ages 6–7
With parts in hits like “Friends” and “Big Daddy,” costarring Adam Sandler, Cole and Dylan Sprouse made their acting debuts in Hollywood in the 1990s. It was hard to distinguish between them because of their almost identical cherubic faces, which were a defining feature of their early years.
The twin brothers, who became well-known due to their timeless attractiveness, attended the New York City premiere of “The Waterboy” in 1998.
On June 17, 1999, Dylan and Cole, who would soon turn seven, appeared on the red carpet at the “Big Daddy” premiere wearing incredibly adorable and well-matched ensembles.
The guys looked like the playful boys next door thanks to their unkempt hair. Their entire angelic appearance was influenced by their round, soft facial features, which included broad cheeks, little button noses, and large, expressive eyes.
The next day, Dylan and Cole made an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” when they once again displayed the endearing charm that won them over fans. The twins look small, sitting side by side in enormous chairs with their feet barely touching the floor.
At the “Galaxy Quest” premiere in Los Angeles on December 19, 1999, Dylan and Cole’s petite, slightly raised noses and sparkling blue eyes warmed hearts. Their similar features—round, cherubic faces with pinchable cheeks—remained striking.
Ages 8 to 11
Dylan and Cole were starting to gain popularity by 2000. After “Big Daddy” became popular, Cole was cast as the son of David Schwimmer’s character in “Friends,” playing Ben Geller.
Dylan and Cole were the epitome of innocence as they posed for a picture at the age of eight or so. A tiny black and white puppy was curled up between the twins as they lay side by side in a striped hammock.
The boys were really cute lying on their stomachs, with their big cheeks, brilliant blue eyes, and cute little noses. Their adorable faces were framed by their blonde, boyishly disheveled hair.
Later that year, on the MTV Movie Awards red carpet, Dylan and Cole displayed their trademark rambunctious antics. The lads, who were adorable as children, grinned mischievously for the cameras.
When Dylan and Cole attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” in 2002, they were a little taller than when they did voice acting on “Eight Crazy Nights,” around the time the boys were turning ten.
As they posed for the cameras, the twins, who were still almost identical in terms of their matching blonde hair and comparable physique, displayed a mix of immature innocence and developing maturity.
The acting twins were very different a year later. Attending the “The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things” closing party, they wore an edgy and rebellious appearance that demonstrated how they went from being endearing child stars to preteens.
Dylan and Cole’s features began to become more defined and angular at the age of eleven, replacing the roundness of their childhood. Their trademark blond hair fell out in a carefree, almost disheveled fashion as they grew older.
Ages 12 and 13
Dylan and Cole looked composed and assured in 2004, as they developed more into their positions as emerging performers. Approximately at this point, they had secured a minor part in the drama “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.”
By the time Dylan turned twelve, he still had the remarkably identical characteristics that made him instantly recognizable, but as he got older, little distinctions started to show.
The next year, Dylan and Cole made their breakthrough as Hollywood celebrities when they were cast in the renowned roles of Zack and Cody in the popular Disney sitcom “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”
During a press trip in January 2005, the adorable twin performers took part in a Disney panel discussion. Their easygoing and joyous manner conveyed their increasing acclimatization to the limelight as their notoriety grew.
As they got closer to puberty, their round faces started to exhibit more maturity. Their characteristic blonde hair streamed across their foreheads, framing their cheery faces.
Promotion
Dylan and Cole, sporting adorable smiles, attended the Hollywood Radio and Television Society’s “Kids Day 2005” event on August 10, 2005.
The guys had the endearing, carefree vibe that people all over the world had grown to appreciate, even when Cole put his arm around Dylan’s shoulder.
Fourteen Years Old
Dylan and Cole were two among the rising number of real-life kid stars by 2006. They made an appearance on the Disney classic “That’s So Raven,” and they also provided some voice acting for “The Emperor’s School.”
Still, there was a discernible change in the twins’ physical characteristics. Although they had always been recognized for having the same appearance, as they approached adolescence, the variations between them became increasingly noticeable.
In comparison to his brother, Dylan’s physique started to get somewhat rounder, while his brother’s remained more angular and slender.
This distinction was made clear by their appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on September 25, 2006. Dylan, who was fourteen at the time, sat with his legs crossed, showing off his larger cheeks and rounder face.
Cole leaned forward in his chair, his attention squarely focused on the topic of discussion. Cole has a more slender build and more defined facial features.
Regretfully, Kim Rhodes, who portrayed the twins’ mother on “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” claims that a Disney official publicly humiliated Dylan in front of the cast and crew, which is when the focus on Dylan’s body took an alarming turn.
On the “Vulnerable With Christy Carlson Romano” podcast, Kim talked about how this CEO insisted on serving “no more junk food” until Dylan regained his twin brother’s appearance.
As Kim talked about the twins, tears filled her eyes; she revealed, “Dylan and Cole had different body types, and Dylan was body-shamed in front of everyone.”
16–18 Years of Age
Nintendo threw a party for Dylan and Cole to commemorate their 16th birthdays in 2008. Now well into adolescence, the guys bent over their birthday cake with endearing smiles on their faces.
The 16-year-old twins’ comparable characteristics allowed for easy recognition even at their age. But Dylan’s face was rounder, and it made him look softer, younger. Cole, on the other hand, had a more angular facial structure that emphasized his growing maturity and appeared slightly thinner.
Professionally speaking, the twins who were actors had landed the parts of Will and Clayton in the exciting movie “Adventures in Appletown,” which followed the tale of two twins who saw a murder.
The lads stood side by side at the 16th Annual Family Halloween Carnival on October 26, 2008, representing the close friendship they have kept throughout their ascent to prominence.
Dylan and Cole, who were 17 at the time, were still developing into their own people by 2009. Dylan, who was attending the 16th Annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles event, still had those cute round cheeks from when he was younger. Cole, however, had a more striking and well-defined face.
The young performers, who were approaching adulthood by early 2010, clearly had the appearance of the part. The twins’ look changed as they grew older, but they retained the charming innocence that had been a defining feature of their public persona.
Their once round, pinchable cheeks were gone. Rather, Dylan and Cole’s looks have become more angular and their jawlines firmer. Their transition from charming kid actors to attractive young stars was aided by their short hairstyles.
Dylan and Cole also momentarily vanished from the acting scene around this time. For a while, “The Suite Life on Deck” served as their final role, allowing the young performers to pursue their studies and enjoy some time away from the limelight.
Dylan and Cole, the brothers, both graduated from New York University with bachelor’s degrees in archaeology and biology, respectively. “When I was in school, I was traveling a lot for archaeology, so I always had my camera and I was taking almost anthropological-type photos of the people I was meeting, the culture I was surrounded by,” Cole said.
“And then, just by being in New York City, I got wrapped up in fashion work and built a portfolio. That was my main source of revenue until “Riverdale” season two,” the actor added.
22–27 Years of Age
By 2014, Dylan and Cole had returned to the public eye and had fully developed into their own young adult personas. The twins had moved past their childhood stardom and adopted more mature, individual styles that suited their personalities.
Following his graduation from college, Cole kept his word to his manager to try out for TV roles before permanently leaving the business.
Dylan subsequently went back to acting and won a voice part in “Total War: Warhammer II.” He also booked the role of the brooding outsider Jughead Jones on the CW soap “Riverdale.”
The youthful performers, who were then 24 years old, were seen looking effortlessly stylish at Tyler, the Creator’s fashion show in Los Angeles in 2016. Cole’s face was framed by his hair, which fell in free waves. His strong jawline and elevated cheekbones emphasized his sharp and defined facial features.
Dylan’s face had softer features and a strong jawline, but it was also slightly fuller. The actor looked more sophisticated and mature with his blonde hair swept back.
At the premiere of Cole’s film “Five Feet Apart,” which took place in March 2019, the actors brought the assurance and elegance of two young men who had accepted their place in the entertainment world to life.
Dylan opted for a polished and contemporary appearance, donning a chic and distinctive dark blue suit. Cole chose a sleek black suit with a checkered shirt underneath for a more understated yet elegant approach.
Later that year, Dylan showed off a daring yet sophisticated outfit at the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show in Italy, where the soon-to-be 27-year-olds were present. His dark brown hair was combed back and groomed with volume, showcasing his defined features and self-assured personality.
Cole, however, opted for a more whimsical and pastel-colored ensemble. His sleek, professional appearance was further enhanced by his light brown buzz cropped hair, which accentuated his distinct facial characteristics.
Ages 28 to 30
The twin actors, Dylan and Cole, looked polished and self-assured when they attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills in 2020, as they approached their late 20s. Cole wore a clean white tuxedo jacket over a white shirt and black pants for a sophisticated and classic look.
His outfit was enhanced by the loose waves in his dark hair, which gave it an appearance of vintage Hollywood glitz. Dylan chose a more daring, flamboyant appearance, making a statement in a black suit with colorful, embroidered details.
Before turning thirty in March 2022, Cole and Dylan demonstrated how they’ve continued to grow into Hollywood’s most popular twins by wearing their distinct looks on the red carpet for the special screening of “Moonshot.”
In a 2022 interview, Cole described this period of reflection on his return to the spotlight, saying, “I started acting when I was so young that I hadn’t actually attempted, as an adult, to think about if I really enjoyed performance.”
“When I returned, I reminded myself that I do very much love the art of acting. But I still have a very complicated relationship to celebrity culture,” the actor said.
The former child star chose to reveal just specific glimpses of his private life to the outer world while he managed his comeback to the spotlight.
Fans and the media focused a lot of attention on his relationships, especially those with model Ari Fournier and “Riverdale” co-star Lili Reinhart. Cole discovered a novel method to take back some control as he was aware of how intrusive fame can be.
He created a second Instagram account where he shared pictures he had taken of random people trying to sneakily capture his picture. “It was an attempt to go, ‘Hey, I actually have agency in the situation, too.’ It helped me a lot,” Cole said.
Cole’s thoughts on celebrity demonstrated a profound understanding of its effects, particularly on young adults. He saw that young people’s psychological reactions to fame are very comparable to his own childhood experiences. “I just think people have an easier time hiding it when they’re older,” the actor said.
When Cole thought back on his August 2022 birthday, he admitted that the decade had felt like a start of a new chapter in his life. The actor thought he was more prepared and structured than ever.
After completing a significant endeavor that took up most of his twenties, Cole was eager to take advantage of fresh prospects since he found them to be both exciting and enticing.
Ages 31 to 32
Dylan had tied the knot with model and longtime lover Barbara Palvin on her parents’ stunning Hungarian home by July 2023.
Although the couple had intended a small, private ceremony, 115 people showed there. Barbara clarified, “There are a lot of people we care about and we wanted them all to be there.”
About six years ago, their love story started in a somewhat unusual way. When Dylan and Barbara were attending an event, Barbara daringly cut him in line, leading to their first encounter.
They began a flirtatious, lively, and humorous back-and-forth after this humorous interaction. After the event, Dylan took the initiative to DM Barbara because he was determined not to let the connection go. The rest is history.
On his wedding day, Dylan radiated refinement and elegance, looking every bit the traditional groom. He wore an elegant black tie, a pristine white dress shirt, and a timeless black suit that fit him like a glove. These finishing touches created a classic yet fashionable ensemble that went well with the romantic atmosphere.
Dylan’s hair, which he had in a little longer, disheveled look, was nicely brushed back, giving his entire appearance a hint of vintage charm. His mature and attractive image was enhanced by his facial characteristics, which included a firm jawline and a light beard.
Dylan and his twin brother adopted a rougher, more casual look by November 2023. The two brothers appeared more seasoned and mature because they both had facial hair and grown out hair.
In February 2024, Cole said that many individuals were interested in learning about Dylan’s plans to be married, even as Dylan celebrated his nuptials. Cole remarked, “Everyone keeps asking.” But even though he’s been dating Ari since January 2021, the star wasn’t eager to tie the knot.
The actor said, “I’m the only unmarried Sprouse now, but I don’t feel too much pressure. I’m taking it one day at a time.” Cole disclosed his enthusiasm for something other than marriage.
The actor had huge ideas for the future, but he had no intention of looking back and doing a “Suite Life” reboot. “I would love to be doing one to two movies a year and photography the rest of the time. And the logical intersection of those two worlds will eventually be directing,” he said.
Dylan recently supported his brother by showing up to the special screening of Cole’s latest movie, “Lisa Frankenstein.” The event was attended by the brothers and their respective partners, making it a family event.
Dylan and Cole both had clean-cut beards and well-groomed facial hair. They both had radiant smiles that accentuated their prominent cheekbones and powerful jawlines. Dylan’s hair was longer and curled just over his shoulders, while Cole’s hair was somewhat shorter and done in delicate waves.
Nonetheless, Dylan and Cole’s recent appearance drew criticism from a large number of social media users. One user said, “Cute as kids, but not so much now.” Another wrote, “Cuter as kids.” A third individual commented, “I get it’s horrible but they were playing twins and when one starts gaining weight and looking less like the other, it’s a problem.”
On Instagram, people were discussing the twins’ appearance. One user wrote, “Twins were [cuter] in their childhood.” Others echoed this sentiment, writing, “Cole and Dylan looked cuter when they were kids.” Still another person wrote, “The twins looked so much more cute as kids.”
Despite the unfavorable responses to their latest appearance, Dylan and Cole Sprouse have matured from child stars to successful adults who have forged separate paths while remaining close.
Whether they were there for each other at premieres or followed their own passions, their journeys from being identical twins to their current distinct identities have been characterized by personal and professional progress.
