Dylan and Cole Sprouse prove that sometimes, two really are better than one.
These charming identical twins first captured hearts nearly 25 years ago, charming audiences as the playful toddler in Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler. But those little boys have grown up—now 30 years old, Dylan and his younger twin Cole, born just 15 minutes apart, have evolved both personally and professionally.
Dylan (left) and Cole Sprouse with their mother and manager, Melanie. Photo by Maureen Donaldson/Online USA, Inc.
Born in 1992, the blond duo began their journey as infants, sharing roles in commercials, TV shows, and movies before they could even walk. Following in the footsteps of other famous twins like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, they took advantage of the unique benefits twins bring to the industry, particularly with child labor restrictions.
Their early breakthrough came with Grace Under Fire (1993–1998), where they jointly portrayed Patrick Kelly, the son of Brett Butler’s character Grace Kelly. Growing from babies into lively six-year-olds on the show, the twins impressed audiences with their seamless shared performance.
“As Grace’s 8-month-old, it’s tough to say if Dylan and Cole Sprouse would be the next Olsen twins,” noted Tim Grey in Variety.
The Sprouse twins stole every scene in Big Daddy (1999) with their impeccable timing and charm as Adam Sandler’s adopted son.
In a 2022 interview with People, Cole reflected on Sandler’s career: “Maybe I’m biased since I’ve known him for so long, but I really admire how he balances art and commerce—the true mark of a working actor. He manages to lift up his friends along the way, which is amazing.”
Between 2000 and 2002, the brothers took separate paths briefly when Cole landed a solo role on Friends as Ben, Ross Geller’s son. It was his first role without Dylan. Cole fondly remembers his favorite episode, The One with the Holiday Armadillo, sharing, “I loved the costumes and practical effects.”
He also admitted to having a crush on Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel. “I think I fell in love with her,” Cole told TODAY, adding, “I was intimidated and sometimes blanked on my lines when she sat next to me.”
