In 2005, Cole and Dylan Sprouse had their big break on Disney Channel. Zack and Cody’s Suite Life.
The twins were just 12 years old when the hit original series first aired. The Suite on Deck.
But before their Disney appearances, Dylan and Cole actually took on other acting gigs. That 70’s Show, friend, and the 1999 movie big daddy.
In fact, Cole previously revealed that he and Dylan “began acting” when he was eight months old by his mother, Melanie Wright Sprouse, due to the family’s financial instability. The father, Matthew Sprouse, separated when the twins were less than one year old.
“My brother and I were forced to act when we were eight months old by our mother because we needed money,” Cole said in a now-deleted audio clip shared to Tumblr years ago. Told. insider“I never made the decision to get into art or acting. So it was never my passion.”
Cole, now 30, call her daddy podcast Wednesday of this week.
Cole has revealed that his mother is very financially “irresponsible” due to mental health and addiction issues, and Cole has actually taken all the earnings he and Dylan made from their previous roles. shared what you spent on suite lifeShe eventually lost custody of the twins when they were 10 years old.
“Both my brother and I went through a lengthy legal battle around the age of 10 and custody was taken from my mother and given to my father,” he said, adding that his father wanted them to be “normal children.” I added that I was.
“I don’t think we ever talked about this…we lost almost everything from the youngest part of our careers when my father was granted forced custody. friend and big daddy,“My mother was an incredible, artistic woman, but financially the most irresponsible woman ever,” he said.
“I think it’s the result of an alchemy of addiction and mental instability, and it’s probably the biggest scar of my life,” he added.
As such, Cole revealed that his father had come to view an acting career as a valuable and necessary financial opportunity, especially in the wake of the custody battle.
“By the time my brother and I went to Disney Channel, we were getting along, and that was a big boon for us,” Cole said. “In many ways, it was a life-saving show. It provided a certain amount of stability and consistency and routine that my brother and I really needed at the time.”
“I think there are two kinds of kids in the child acting industry,” he continued. “There are working-class kids, like the ‘Thespian kids’ who chose to do it. At least for us… it started as a way to put bread on the table. ”
When asked if he resents his parents for pushing him into acting as a child, Cole said he “definitely” has some feelings to deal with, but that he “regrets” his childhood. ” said he didn’t.
“My parents were not very wealthy. It’s a by-product of sacrificing your childhood,” he began.
“But I don’t regret it at all,” he said. If given the same choice again, I would probably do it again.”
Cole noted the difference between his and Dylan’s experiences as young stars and those of other actors. spoke out against their child’s stardom Over the years.
After Cole greatly praised Disney Channel for bringing him and Dylan financial security, podcast host Alex Cooper noted the fact that other former Disney actors have spoken out in great detail. difficult experience There.
In response, Cole says:i find a lot [time] When you don’t need much money, it’s much easier to complain about the bigger studio’s business approach.
“Really interesting,” he continued. “For example, when you approach this career as a kind of passion and start learning the language of these major studios, and that language is always money, you start to get frustrated.”
“But starting from a working kid’s background…you won’t be too surprised or frustrated if your boss or studio chooses a money-based approach to your career,” he added.
However, Cole has revealed that he has not “outlawed” his fellow former Disney stars’ experiences.
“I’m not denying the legitimacy of their statements. It’s already incredibly contradictory to be a kid who works 9 to 5, subject to national-wide criticism.” Make no mistake. Public.
“In many ways, I think my brother and I were lucky, mainly because we were boys,” he said. “When we were younger, at least on Disney Channel, we were fascinated by Miley and Selena and a lot of the girls because they were very sexual. That’s another big issue.”
“My brother and I went through all the same traps in so many ways, except that the lenses didn’t stick to us very well, and I am very, very grateful.” I will,” he added.
