The unusual career trajectories of twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse defy Hollywood logic.
The boys began acting as children, playing the adorable role of Adam Sandler's adopted
son in the comedy Big Daddy and later headlining their own Disney Channel series, The Suite
Life of Zack & Cody.
Then, the two walked away from it all.
But instead of collecting mugshots or having meltdowns on social media, Dylan and Cole
went on to live shockingly well-adjusted lives.
In fact, their lives seem to be so well put together that - to be honest - it actually
makes no sense..
How'd they do it?
Leaving Disney on their terms
Dylan said that he and his brother felt that, after six years, it was time to end The Suite
Life.
But they agreed to shoot one last season to wrap up the story of their characters — if
they could help write and produce the season.
This would give the twins some experience and credit they could use toward their careers
behind the camera and simultaneously give Disney the opportunity to create a spin-off
and continue making money off the show.
According to Dylan, the twins' idea was shot down and they were practically laughed out
of the office.
He said, "That was kind of a big part of the decision [to leave Disney], because they didn't
trust us enough after all this time."
The network reportedly approached the twins a few weeks later with a different concept,
which was a lot like Dylan and Cole's idea, except it would take place in Miami and Selena
Gomez would somehow be involved.
But the kicker was that they wouldn't get that producer credit they wanted.
So they walked.
Studying something new
After the Sprouse twins left Disney and announced their break from acting, many fans were surprised
to learn they had enrolled in college.
Plenty of child stars take advantage of the fact that they already have high-paying gigs.
They can easily forego higher education, or even create personalized degrees that suit
their needs.
However, Cole and Dylan actually planned for an everyman's future instead of one solely
devoted to the limelight.
Not only did they attend school, but they also graduated with honors and earned degrees
in fields that aren't acting.
"I was a child actor, I mean I was working since I was eight months old.
So...
I think taking a break is fundamental for child stars in general"
Dylan talked about his decision in a 2015 interview with Teen Vogue, saying, "The one
thing I knew for sure about myself is I didn't want to study acting.
It was something we had done and something that we don't really need to train all that
much more for."
The twins ultimately graduated from New York University in 2015, with Cole receiving a
degree in archaeology, while Dylan earned his in video game design.
They work regular jobs
Aside from acting, Dylan and Cole have been known to work Average Joe jobs.
While the two have dabbled in writing and photography, Dylan also got a job as a host
at a restaurant in New York City.
Photos quickly emerged of him in his new position, which fueled rumors about him having spent
all of his acting money.
The gossip got so bad that Dylan was forced to clear things up on his Tumblr page.
He wrote, "I did not take this job because I 'lost all my money.'
I am financially secure, and took this job as a way to primarily feed my over bountiful
video game addiction."
He went on to explain that he was just trying something new and thought it would be a good
way to get out of the house and meet new people.
Being a host doesn't exactly sound like the best way to make new friends, but if you're
a child star who's never had a crappy minimum wage gig before, the restaurant biz could
be a great way to fully understand what the rest of the world is always talking about.
Plus, it gave them a chance to do something apart from one another for the first time.
"I mean, we live together, we eat together, we school together we do work together."
Aside from his gig as a host, which didn't last long, Dylan is also working on his own
microbrewery and bar.
All-Wise Meadery brags about being owned by the youngest Master Brewer in the United States,
who is none other than Dylan himself.
Perhaps his hosting gig inspired him to learn the craft and open his own place, bringing
Brooklyn just what it needs: another micro-brew.
No apologies
Celebrities busted for cheating scandals or sex tapes are always apologizing to their
fans, as if somehow the celebrity did something terrible to the fan when, in truth, the stars
were just being themselves.
Dylan and Cole don't apologize, even when a so-called scandal hits the press.
In 2013, several naked photos of Dylan were leaked to the world, allegedly by a bitter
ex-girlfriend.
But the twins didn't bat an eye.
They did, however, post a few hilarious tweets.
Dylan tweeted, "Whoops, guess I'm not 14 and fat anymore.
I messed up…but I'd be a fool not to own up to it.
Got to move past it I suppose…move past it in a sexy way tho." Cole definitely took
first place on the best tweet about the sexy selfie when he wrote, "Cold in that bathroom
huh?"
No matter how old they get, boys will be boys.
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