Dylan and Cole Sprouse

Dylan and Cole Sprouse
Born August 4, 1992 (1992-08-04) (age 18)
Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
Occupation Actors
Years active 1993–present
Website
http://www.sprousebros.com/

Dylan Thomas Sprouse and Cole Mitchell Sprouse (born August 4, 1992) are American actors. They are twins and are collectively referred to as Dylan and Cole Sprouse or the Sprouse Bros. Their first prominent major theatrical film role was in Big Daddy, where they starred alongside Adam Sandler. They later appeared in several television sitcoms and starred in the straight-to-DVD family films, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Just for Kicks.

In 2005, they became international household names by starring in the Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. As a result of series' success, they have become "heartthrobs"[1] and "overwhelming draws"[2] among preteen and teen audiences. In 2006, the brothers launched a franchise known as the "Sprouse Bros" brand, which included a clothing line, book series and magazine. The majority of the Sprouse's franchise ended in 2008, except for their clothing line. They have been described subsequently as "arguably the two best-known child stars in recent years" by the media and were one of the wealthiest children on the planet in 2007.[3][4]

In late 2008, they starred in a Suite Life spin-off, The Suite Life on Deck which went on to become the most-watched tween/children's television show in 2008 and 2009.[1] The Sprouse twins began cultivating an adult image by starring in the suspense independent theatrical film, The Kings of Appletown (2009) and had an endorsement deal with Dannon Danimals. In April 2009, they appeared on the cover of People Magazine, in a sixty-page special edition issue devoted to the Suite Life on Deck. In 2010, the Sprouse brothers were the highest paid teenage Disney television actors, earning $40,000 per episode combined.[5] MSN reported by the end of the 2000s, the twin brothers became the richest teenage twins in the world.[6] In addition, Forbes named them as two of the top teenage entrepreneurs of the decade.[7] The brothers became the faces of Nintendo DS in August 2010.[8] Dylan stated in June of 2010 that they would attend New York University in the fall,[9] but in August the brothers stated that they had deferred one year and would be attending college in the fall of 2011.[10]

Contents

Early lives

The Sprouses were born in Arezzo, Italy, to American parents Matthew Sprouse and Melanie Wright, who at the time were teaching at an English language school in Tuscany. Dylan, named after poet Dylan Thomas,[11] is 15 minutes older than Cole,[12] who is named for jazz singer and pianist Nat King Cole.[13] The boys moved back to the United States, four months after their birth. They grew up in their parents' native Long Beach, California. Their parents divorced in 1997.[14]

Acting

After a suggestion by their grandmother, Jonine Booth Wright, who was a drama teacher and actress, the Sprouses began acting at the age of six months. The twosome first appeared in a commercial for toilet paper switching on-screen time every few seconds. As with many twin actors, the two have often played the same role, allowing more time for the character to be filmed. At eight months old, the two appeared on the ABC-TV series Grace Under Fire from 1993 to 1998, playing one character, Patrick Kelly.

In 1999, the boys appeared in their first major feature film, Big Daddy, in which they shared the role of a five-year old boy named 'Julian' who is adopted by Adam Sandler's character 'Sonny Koufax'. That year, the boys collaborated with Sandler on the second and third versions of The Chanukah Song (Dylan and The Drei-Dels in Part 3 and Cole in Part 2), and the boys also had a minor role in the thriller The Astronaut's Wife. The Sprouses have noted that after Big Daddy's release, the two entered into a slow period in their careers and were not cast in any major roles for a time.[1] During the early 2000s, the twins appeared in episodes of The Nightmare Room and That '70s Show, as well as in MADtv: Season Four (1998-1999) (episode #425) and the feature films The Master of Disguise and a voice-over role in Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights. In 2001, Cole began appearing in episodes of the television show Friends, as Ross Geller's son Ben; this role was not shared with Dylan.

Between the years of 2002 and 2003, they both appeared in I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Just for Kicks, both of which were family films that received a direct-to-video release. The Sprouses were subsequently cast in the Disney Channel original series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, where they play identical twins Zack (Dylan) and Cody (Cole) Martin. The series, which debuted in March 2005, has become a ratings success[1] and the twins have become very well known among pre-teen and teen audiences. As part of their involvement with Disney, the brothers are now part of the 11-member group, the Disney Channel Circle of Stars, and sang the song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" along with the members of the circle, for a video that was released as bonus material in the special edition version of the Disney film Cinderella. The Sprouses have also participated in the Disney Channel Games every year since 2006.

Cole Sprouse at A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper premiere in September 2007

The Sprouses played one character, Jeremiah, in the independent film The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, which was produced in 2004 but not given a theatrical release until March 2006, when it played at three theatres in the United States, ultimately grossing $29,000 domestically.[15] In 2007, the boys filmed A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper. The two lent their voices to a movie called Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen, which also features the voices of fellow Disney Channel stars Brenda Song and Emily Osment.[16] Dylan played the voice of Shasta in Disney's "Snow Buddies." The brothers filmed Kings of Appletown which is based on the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It was directed by Bobby Moresco, written by Amanda Moresco and also featured Victoria Justice from Nickelodeon's Zoey 101.[17] It was filmed in New Braunfels, Texas and was originally estimated to be released around Christmas 2008.[18] As of March 2009, the film remains in post production with no release date having been announced.

According to Dylan, the twins will be filming another Modern Twain Story film beginning in summer of 2009. The film will be called "Sivilized" and will be a modern version of "Huckleberry Finn."[19] In March 2009, they became the new face of Dannon Danimals.

The brothers are currently represented by William Morris Endeavor.[20]

"Sprouse Bros" brand

In 2005, the Sprouse brothers signed a licensing agreement with Dualstar Entertainment to produce "Sprouse Bros" branded merchandise for the preteen and teenage market, the Sprouse Bros brand includes a clothing line, comics series and magazine.[21] In 2006 Dualstar and Leisure Publishing LLC launched a magazine called "Sprouse Bros. Code", targeting boys.[22] In 2007 Simon & Schuster Inc. published the two volumes of a book series titled Sprouse Bros. 47 R.O.N.I.N., which was described as featuring the Sprouse twins as "young James Bonds or undercover agents", the book series continued.[23][24] In 2008, the brothers ended their association with the Olsen's Dualstar and continued their clothing line which is 'on hold', the items in their clothing lines are sold exclusively online.[25][26][27]

Personal lives

Dylan Sprouse has stated that the experience of coming to fame after the success of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is "kind of scary, how fast everything is moving. Just a year ago none of this was happening, it was just doing Suite Life, and now I can't wait for what's in store..."[21] While filming The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, the two received on-set tutoring for three hours each day,[1] and claimed to be getting "straight A's and honors."[11] Both boys have had girlfriends, but none of their relationships have lasted longer than 8 months; as of September 2009 both are single.[28]

The Sprouses enjoy skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and basketball,[13] as well as writing or drawing a comic strip, The Adventures of Tibblebu and Thumbin, based on a stuffed animal of Cole's.[29] The twins' family has three dogs: Bubba, which belongs to Dylan and Cole; Pinky, who is their father's; and Curry, their stepmother's.[30] Their favorite actor and co-star is Adam Sandler.[12] According to Dylan, the twins plan to attend college, and were accepted to New York University for the fall 2010 term, but they deferred one year.[9][10] Dylan plans on majoring in fine/studio arts and minoring in economics while Cole plans on majoring in film and television production and minoring in drama.[9]

Filmography

Year Title Dylan's Role Cole's Role Notes
1993-1998
 Grace Under Fire
Patrick Kelly
 Shared role
1999
 The Astronaut's Wife Twin Twin
Big Daddy
Julian McGrath
 Shared role
2001
 Diary of a Sex Addict
Sammy Jr.
 Direct-to-video
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Justin Carver
 Shared role
The Nightmare Room
Buddy
 One episode
That '70s Show Bobby Billy Season 4, episode 2 (guest appearance)
Friends
–
 Ben Geller[31]
2002
 Eight Crazy Nights
K-B Toys Soldier
The Master of Disguise
Young Pistachio Disguisey
 Cameo appearance
2003
 Apple Jack
Jack Pyne
 Shared role
Just For Kicks Dylan Martin Cole Martin Direct-to-video
2004
 The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things
Jeremiah (age 11)
 Shared role
2005
 Piggy Banks Young John[32]
–
2005-2008
 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Zack Martin Cody Martin Television series
2006
 The Emperor's New School Zam Zim Guest appearance
Disney Channel Games 2006 Himself
Red Team member		 Himself
Blue Team member
That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana Zack Martin Cody Martin A three-episode crossover special that joined 3 shows together
(It is also the name of an episode from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody)
2007
 Disney Channel Games 2007 Himself
Green Team captain		 Himself
Blue Team member
A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper Tom Canty Eddie Tudor
2008
 Disney Channel Games 2008 Himself
Team Cyclones		 Himself
Team Lightning		 Both were not in the first event
Studio DC: Almost Live Himself / Zack Martin Himself / Cody Martin Television special featuring The Muppets
According to Jim Self Self Guest appearance
Snow Buddies Shasta
–
 Voice role
2008-present
 The Suite Life on Deck Zack Martin Cody Martin Television series, sequel to The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
2009
 Kung Fu Magoo[33] Justin Magoo Brad Landry Voice roles
Hannah Montana Zack Martin Cody Martin Episode titled "Super(stitious Girl)", part three of a three-episode cross-over between
Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck, and Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards of Waverly Place Zack Martin Cody Martin Season 2, episode 25: "Cast-Away (To Another Show)"
The Kings of Appletown Will Clayton

Awards and nominations

Year Award Work Category Cole Dylan
2000 MTV Movie Awards Big Daddy "Best On-Screen Duo" Nominated Nominated
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards "Favorite Supporting Actor - Comedy" Nominated Nominated[34]
YoungStar Awards "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Comedy Film" Won Won[34]
Young Artist Awards "Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Under" Nominated Nominated[34]
2006 Young Artist Award The Suite Life of Zack and Cody "Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Leading Young Actor" Nominated Nominated
2007 Kids Choice Awards The Suite Life of Zack and Cody "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated N/A
Celebrity Love Awards "Favorite Actors" Won Won
Young Artist Award "Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Leading Young Actor" Nominated Nominated
Popstar Magazine's Poptastic Awards "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated Nominated
Kids Choice Awards Australia "Favorite Television Actor" Won Won
2008 Kids Choice Awards The Suite Life of Zack and Cody "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated Nominated
Celebrity Love Awards "Favorite Actors" Won Won
Popstar Magazine's Poptastic Awards "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated Nominated
2009 Kids Choice Awards The Suite Life of Zack and Cody "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated Won
Celebrity Love Awards The Suite Life on Deck "Favorite Actors" Won Won
Popstar Magazine's Poptastic Awards "Favorite Television Actor" Nominated Nominated
Disney Channel Fans Awards "Favorite Male Disney Channel Stars" Nominated Nominated
2010 Kids Choice Awards The Suite Life on Deck "Favorite TV Actor" Nominated Won

Discography

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 James M. Klatell (July 6, 2006). "The 'Suite Life' Of The Sprouse Twins". The Early Show. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/06/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main1781268.shtml. Retrieved March 1, 2006. 
  2. ↑ Diane Werts (March 19, 2006). "Cashing in on tween viewers". Newsday.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20071013194233/http://newsday.com/entertainment/ny-fftv4663642mar19,0,2560485.story?coll=ny-entertainment-bigpix. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  3. ↑ "Happy 17th Birthday Dylan and Cole Sprouse!". Gossip Center.com. http://www.gossipcenter.com/happy-17th-birthday-dylan-and-cole-sprouse-348466. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  4. ↑ "Richest children". People.com. July 2007. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20061420,00.html. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  5. ↑ "TV's Highest-Paid Kid Actors (Surprise! Miley Cyrus Isn't No. 1)". Popeater.com. July, 2006. http://www.popeater.com/2010/05/10/tvs-richest-kids/. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  6. ↑ "The Sprouse Twins, 17 - Young and minted: teens who struck it big". MSN Money. http://money.uk.msn.com/your-cash/salary-centre/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=153707371&page=9. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  7. ↑ "The Sprouse Twins, 17". Forbes magazine. http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/11/teen-celebrities-brand-building-entrepreneurs-miley-cyrus-justin-bieber_slide_12.html. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  8. ↑ "From Disney to Danimals to Nintendo DS". IGN. http://ds.ign.com/articles/111/1111964p1.html. Retrieved August 30, 2010. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Postings by Dylan Sprouse on the Official Sprouse Bros. Message Board on June 3, 2010 - 05:37 pm PDT
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Sprouse, Dylan Thomas, and Cole Mitchell Sprouse. Interview. The Sprouse Brothers Unveil Their Milk Mustache Ad. YouTube. MomGenerations, 24 Aug. 2010. Web. 26 Aug. 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm-8ZJmDAQ.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 James Brady (August 19, 2007). "In Step with Dylan & Cole Sprouse". Parade Magazine: 22. http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2007/edition_08-19-2007/In_Step_With...Dylan_and_Cole. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Mad Kids (May 2006). "The Mad Kids Chatroom: This Month: Dylan & Cole Sprouse". Mad Kids 1 (#3): 26–28. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Popstar (June 2006). "Dylan & Cole take over the world!: House of Sprouse!". Popstar Special!: 90. 
  14. ↑ "Dylan & Cole Sprouse". http://www.buddytv.com/cole-sprouse.aspx. Retrieved 2007-12-29. 
  15. ↑ "The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things". Box Office Mojo.com. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=heartisdeceitfulaboveallthings.htm. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  16. ↑ "Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse "Holidaze" Trailer". Dylan-Sprouse.org. Archived from the original on 31 July 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080731132147/http://www.dylan-sprouse.org/. Retrieved November 30, 2006. 
  17. ↑ "Sprouse Twins' Movies". Dylan and Coles Movie Site. Archived from the original on 2008-02-12. http://web.archive.org/web/20080212073811/http://www.sprousemovies.com/SprouseMovies/Home.html. Retrieved December 3, 2007. 
  18. ↑ Jeff Walker (November 8, 2007). "Hollywood Crew filming in New Braunfels". San Marcos Daily Record. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. http://web.archive.org/web/20071212013447/http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/local_story_312120303.html. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  19. ↑ Official Sprouse Bros Website Message Center
  20. ↑ Official Sprouse Bros Website Representation
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Anna Bahney (April 30, 2006). "Boys Just Want to Be ... Olsens". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/fashion/sundaystyles/30TWINS.html. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  22. ↑ "Get Ready for the Sprouse Twins". TeenPeople. http://www.people.com/people?xid=teenpeople. Retrieved April 28, 2006. 
  23. ↑ "14-Year-Old Celebrity Twin Actors Looking Forward to Providing Interesting Book Content". The Book Standard. 
  24. ↑ "The Revelation (Sprouse Bros. 47 R.O.N.I.N.)". Simon & Schuster Inc. Main Website. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Revelation/Marc-Cerasini/Sprouse-Bros-47-R-O-N-I-N/9781416936077. Retrieved August 22, 2007. 
  25. ↑ Posting by Dylan Sprouse on the Official Sprouse Bros. Message Board on April 22, 2009 - 11:21 am PDT
  26. ↑ "6 Degrees of Sprouse". People Magazine. 2009-12-18. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20277219,00.html. Retrieved 2009-12-18. 
  27. ↑ "Category: Sprouse Brothers". Missinginkshop.com. 2009-12-18. https://missinginkshop.com/sprousebrothers/store. Retrieved 2009-12-18. 
  28. ↑ Posting by Dylan Sprouse on the Official Sprouse Bros. Message Board on September 19, 2009 - 6:37 pm PDT
  29. ↑ BOP (May 2006). "Cole and Dylan Sprouse: "We draw"". BOP magazine: 54. 
  30. ↑ Posting by Dylan Sprouse on the Official Sprouse Bros. Message Board on May 6, 2009 - 8:50 am PDT
  31. ↑ "The Sprouse twins official bio". Archived from the original on 2008-02-05. http://web.archive.org/web/20080205223840/http://www.sprousebros.com/bios_cole.php?bio_name=dylan. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  32. ↑ Dylan Sprouse at the Internet Movie Database
  33. ↑ "Youth Impact Report '07 alumni update". Variety. October 2, 2008. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993301.html?categoryid=3262&cs=1&nid=2562. Retrieved March 1, 2009. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 [1]

External links