Users Say These Angelic Twins Looked ‘Cuter’ as Kids—What Happened to Them after They Briefly Disappeared from the Limelight?

One was body-shamed by a Disney executive during his teen years, while the other opened up about the psychological toll of growing up in the spotlight. Social media users noticed a shift, with many commenting that the twins now look less alike—and that they were cuter as kids.

Dive into the telling photographs that capture their astonishing transformation over the years, and see how they’ve both changed, inside and out, since their disappearance from the spotlight.

6 – 7 Years Old

In the 1990s, Cole and Dylan Sprouse burst onto the Hollywood acting scene, landing roles in hits like “Friends” and “Big Daddy,” co-starring Adam Sandler. Their cherubic faces were nearly identical, a hallmark of their early years, making it difficult to tell them apart.

In 1998, the twin brothers attended the premiere of “The Waterboy” in New York City, exuding the quintessential charm that made them household names.

On June 17, 1999, Dylan and Cole, soon to be seven years old, hit the red carpet at the “Big Daddy” premiere in undeniably cute and coordinated outfits.

The boys’ tousled hair gave them a playful, boy-next-door appearance. Their round, soft facial features — full cheeks, small button noses, and big, expressive eyes — contributed to their overall angelic look.

A day later, Dylan and Cole appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” showcasing the same adorable charm that made them fan favorites. Seated side by side in oversized chairs, the twins appear tiny, their feet far from touching the ground.

On December 19, 1999, Dylan and Cole’s bright blue eyes and small, slightly upturned noses melted hearts at the “Galaxy Quest” premiere in Los Angeles. Their identical features continued to stand out — round, cherubic faces with pinch-able cheeks.

8 – 11 Years Old

By 2000, Dylan and Cole were becoming more popular. Following the success of “Big Daddy,” Cole landed the role of Ben Geller, David Schwimmer’s character’s son in “Friends.”

At around eight years old, Dylan and Cole were the picture of innocence as they posed for a portrait. The twins were laying side by side on a striped hammock, with a small black and white dog nestled comfortably between them.

Lying on their stomachs, the boys’ round cheeks, bright blue eyes and adorable noses were incredibly endearing. Their hair, blonde and slightly tousled with a boyish style, framed their cute faces.

Later that year, Dylan and Cole showcased their characteristic playfulness on the red carpet of the MTV Movie Awards. The epitome of childhood cuteness, the boys wore mischievous smiles while smiling for the cameras.

By 2002, at roughly 10 years old, around the time the boys did voice acting on “Eight Crazy Nights,” Dylan and Cole stood slightly taller while attending the premiere of “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” in Los Angeles.

The twins, still nearly indistinguishable with their matching blonde hair and similar builds, exhibited a blend of youthful innocence and growing maturity as they posed for the cameras.

A year later, the acting twins had noticeably changed. They presented a rebellious and edgy look while attending “The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things” wrap party, showcasing their transition from adorable child stars to pre-teens.

Around 11 years old, Dylan and Cole started to lose the roundness of childhood and took on more defined, angular features. They grew out their signature blonde locks, which fell in a casual, almost messy style.

12 – 13 Years Old

In 2004, Dylan and Cole appeared poised and confident as they continued to grow into their roles as young actors. Around this time, they had landed a small role in the drama, “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.”

Around 12 years old, Dylan and Cole still shared the strikingly similar features that made them so recognizable, yet subtle differences began to emerge as they grew older.

The following year, Dylan and Cole became Hollywood stars after landing the iconic roles of Zack and Cody in Disney’s hit series, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

In January 2005, the cute twin actors participated in a Disney panel discussion during a press tour. They exuded a relaxed and cheerful demeanor, reflecting their growing comfort in the spotlight as their fame continued to rise.

Their round faces began to show more maturity as they edged closer to their teenage years. Their bright smiles were framed by their signature blonde hair, which swept across their foreheads.

On August 10, 2005, Dylan and Cole attended the Hollywood Radio and Television Society’s “Kids Day 2005” event in Hollywood, sporting endearing smiles.

As Cole draped his arm over Dylan’s shoulder, the boys exuded the same charming and youthful energy fans across the world came to love.

14 Years Old

By 2006, Dylan and Cole were among the growing list of bona fide child stars. They appeared on “That’s So Raven,” another Disney classic, and did a bit of voice acting on “The Emperor’s School.”

However, a noticeable shift began to occur in the physical appearances of the twins. While they had always been known for their identical looks, the differences between them started to become more pronounced as they entered their teenage years.

Dylan, in particular, began to develop a slightly fuller figure, which set him apart from his brother, who retained a leaner and more angular appearance.

Their appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on September 25, 2006, vividly illustrated this difference. Dylan, then 14, sat confidently with his legs crossed, showcasing his rounder face and fuller cheeks.

Cole, with his leaner frame and more defined facial features, sat forward in his chair, his focus clearly on the conversation at hand.

Sadly, the attention on Dylan’s body took a troubling turn when, according to Kim Rhodes — who played the twins’ mother on “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” — a Disney executive publicly body-shamed Dylan in front of the cast and crew.

Kim, in an emotional appearance on the “Vulnerable With Christy Carlson Romano” podcast, recounted how this executive demanded that “no more junk food” be served until Dylan looked like his twin brother again.

Tears welled in Kim’s eyes as she spoke about the twins, sharing, “Dylan and Cole had different body types, and in front of everyone, Dylan was body-shamed.”

16 – 18 Years Old

In 2008, Dylan and Cole celebrated their 16th birthday with a bash hosted by Nintendo. The boys, now well into their teenage years, wore charming smiles as they leaned over their birthday cake.

The 16-year-old twins were still easily recognizable for their similar features. However, Dylan had a rounder face, which gave him a softer, more youthful appearance. Cole, on the other hand, appeared slightly leaner, with a more angular facial structure that highlighted his developing maturity.

Professionally, the acting twins had landed the roles of Clayton and Will in “Adventures in Appletown,” a thrilling film that told the story of two twins who witnessed a murder.

On October 26, 2008, the boys attended the 16th Annual Family Halloween Carnival, embodying the close bond maintained throughout their rise to fame as they stood side-by-side.

By 2009, then 17, Dylan and Cole continued to grow into their distinct identities. While at the 16th Annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles event, Dylan still had his adorable round cheeks, reminiscent of his youth. Cole, on the other hand, had a more defined and striking face.

By early 2010, the young actors were on the brink of adulthood and certainly looked the part. While they still maintained the boyish charm that had been a hallmark of their public image, the twins’ appearance changed as they continued to grow.

They had completely lost their round, pinchable cheeks. Instead, Dylan and Cole had developed stronger jawlines and angular features. Their short haircuts helped their transformation from angelic child actors to handsome young stars.

It was also around this time that Dylan and Cole briefly disappeared from the acting scene. “The Suite Life on Deck” was their last credit for a while, as the young actors enjoyed some time away from the spotlight and furthered their education.

Both brothers attended New York University, where Dylan received a Bachelor’s Degree and Cole graduated with a degree in archaeology. “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 shared.

“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 Old

By 2014, Dylan and Cole had stepped back into the spotlight and had completely evolved into their individual styles as young adults. The twins had left their days as child stars behind them, embracing more mature and distinct looks that reflected their personalities.

After graduating from university, Cole fulfilled a promise he’d made to his manager to give TV auditions a go before quitting the industry for good.

The actor then booked the role of the brooding outcast Jughead Jones on the CW drama “Riverdale.” Dylan also returned to acting and landed a voice acting role in “Total War: Warhammer II.”

In 2016, then 24, the young actors were photographed at Tyler, the Creator’s fashion show in Los Angeles, looking effortlessly cool. Cole’s hair fell in loose waves that framed his face. His facial features were sharp and defined, accentuated by his strong jawline and high cheekbones.

Dylan’s face was slightly fuller, but still well-defined, with a strong jawline and softer features. His blonde hair, longer and swept back, gave the actor a more refined and mature appearance.

In March 2019, the actors exuded the confidence and style of two young men who had fully embraced their place in the entertainment industry while at the premiere of “Five Feet Apart,” in which Cole starred.

Dylan went for a polished and modern look, wearing a stylish and unique dark blue suit. Cole opted for a more classic yet equally refined look, dressed in a sharp black suit with a checkered shirt underneath.

Later that year, the soon-to-be 27-year-olds attended the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show in Italy where Dylan showcased a bold yet refined look. His hair, a rich brown, was styled with volume and swept back to reveal his sharp features and confident demeanor.

Cole, on the other hand, wore a more playful and pastel-toned outfit. His light brown buzz-cut hair also highlighted his sharp facial features, giving him a clean and polished appearance.

28 – 30 Years Old

In 2020, as Dylan and Cole entered their late twenties, the twin actors exuded confidence and sophistication while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. Cole went for a sleek and timeless look, dressed in a crisp white tuxedo jacket over a white shirt and black trousers.

His dark hair was styled in loose waves, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to his ensemble. Dylan opted for a bolder, more flamboyant look, standing out in a black suit adorned with vibrant, embroidered embellishments.

In March 2022, ahead of their 30th birthdays, Cole and Dylan exhibited their continued evolution as Hollywood’s favorite twins while attending the special screening of “Moonshot,” bringing their unique styles to the red carpet.

During this time, Cole reflected on his journey back to the spotlight in a 2022 interview, sharing, “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 continued.

As he navigated his return to the public eye, the former child star became more guarded about his private life, choosing to share only selective glimpses with the outside world.

His relationships, particularly with “Riverdale” co-star Lili Reinhart and model Ari Fournier, were a focal point for fans and media alike, leading to intense scrutiny. Aware of the invasive nature of fame, Cole found a unique way to reclaim some control.

He started a secondary Instagram account dedicated to posting photos he had taken of strangers who were attempting to snap pictures of him discreetly. “It was an attempt to go, ‘Hey, I actually have agency in the situation, too.’ It helped me a lot,” Cole shared.

Cole’s reflections on fame revealed a deep awareness of its impact, especially on young adults. He observed that the psychological effects of fame on young people are remarkably similar to those he experienced as a child. “I just think people have an easier time hiding it when they’re older,” the actor noted.

As Cole reflected on turning 30 in August 2022, he acknowledged that the new decade felt like the beginning of a fresh chapter in his life. The actor felt more organized and prepared than ever before.

With the conclusion of a major project that occupied much of his twenties, Cole was excited about new opportunities, finding them both appealing and exhilarating.

31 – 32 Years Old

By July 2023, Dylan was a married man after tying the knot with his longtime girlfriend and model Barbara Palvin on her parents’ beautiful property in Hungary.

The couple planned for a small, intimate ceremony, but ended up with 115 guests. Barbara explained, “There are a lot of people we care about and we wanted them all to be there.”

Their love story began approximately six years prior in a rather unconventional way. The couple’s first encounter happened when Barbara boldly cut Dylan in line while they were entering an event.

This amusing exchange sparked a flirty back-and-forth between them, filled with humor and lighthearted banter. Determined not to let the connection slip away, Dylan took the initiative and slid into Barbara’s DMs after the event and the rest was history.

On his wedding day, Dylan looked every bit the classic groom, exuding elegance and sophistication. He donned a timeless black suit that fit him impeccably, paired with a crisp white dress shirt and a sleek black tie, completing a traditional yet stylish look that perfectly complemented the romantic setting.

Dylan’s hair, which he kept in a slightly longer, tousled style, was neatly combed back, adding a touch of vintage charm to his overall look. His facial features, defined by a strong jawline and subtle stubble, contributed to his mature and handsome appearance.

By November 2023, Dylan and his twin brother had embraced a more rugged, laid-back style. Both brothers had grown out their hair and sported facial hair, giving them a more mature and seasoned appearance.

While Dylan celebrated his marriage, in February 2024, Cole revealed that many people were curious about his plans to tie the knot. “Everyone keeps asking,” Cole said. However, despite being in a relationship with Ari since January 2021, the actor wasn’t in any rush to get married.

“I’m now the only unwed Sprouse,” he joked, “but I don’t feel too much pressure. I’m taking it one day at a time,” the actor continued. Instead of focusing on marriage, Cole revealed that his passion lay elsewhere.

While the actor had no plans of looking back and doing a “Suite Life” reboot, he had big plans for the future. “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 explained.

Recently, Dylan showed his support for his brother at the special screening of Cole’s new film, “Lisa Frankenstein.” Both brothers attended the event with their respective partners, making it a family affair.

Dylan and Cole both sported well-groomed facial hair, with their beards neatly trimmed. They shared the same bright smiles that highlighted their strong jawlines and high cheekbones. Cole’s hair was slightly shorter and styled in soft waves, while Dylan’s hair was longer, curling just above his shoulders.

However, many social media users were critical of Dylan and Cole’s recent appearance. “Cute as kids, but not so much now,” one person shared. Another typed, “Cuter as kids.” A third person shared, “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.”

The conversation around the twins’ appearance also happened on Instagram, with one person commenting, “Twins were [cuter] in their childhood.” Others shared the same sentiment, with one person sharing, “Cole and Dylan looked cuter when they were kids.” Another typed, “The twins looked so much more cute as kids.”

While their recent appearance triggered a wave of negative reactions, Dylan and Cole Sprouse have grown from child stars into accomplished adults, each forging their own path while maintaining a strong bond.

From their early days as identical twins to their distinct identities today, their journeys have been marked by personal and professional growth, whether supporting each other at premieres or pursuing individual passions.