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

From baby-faced child actors to grown men who had to survive the not-so-glamorous side of Hollywood, see the astonishing evolution of these famous twins and why their recent surprising appearance caused social media users to say they were cuter as kids.

These famous twins captured hearts as child actors, sharing the screen with their undeniable charm and identical looks. But as the years passed, the duo’s journey through Hollywood took a troubling turn.

The child actors, circa 1999. | Source: Getty Images

The child actors, circa 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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 the 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.

The child stars with their mother, circa 1999. | Source: Getty Images

The child stars with their mother, circa 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole or Dylan Sprouse and Adam Sandler filming a scene in "Big Daddy" in 1999. | Source: Getty Images

Cole or Dylan Sprouse and Adam Sandler filming a scene in “Big Daddy” in 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of "The Waterboy" in New York, circa 1998. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of “The Waterboy” in New York, circa 1998. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of "Big Daddy" on June 17, 1999, in  Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of “Big Daddy” on June 17, 1999, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on June 18, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on June 18, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of "Galaxy Quest" on December 19, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of “Galaxy Quest” on December 19, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.”

Cole Sprouse and David Schwimmer filming a scene in "Friends" in 2000. | Source: Getty Images

Cole Sprouse and David Schwimmer filming a scene in “Friends” in 2000. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse posing for a portrait, circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse posing for a portrait, circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards in Culver City, California, on June 3. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards in Culver City, California, on June 3. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" in Los Angeles on May 12, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the premiere of “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” in Los Angeles on May 12, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the wrap party for "The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things" on November 10, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse at the wrap party for “The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things” on November 10, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 6th Annual Movieline Young Hollywood Awards on May 2, 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 6th Annual Movieline Young Hollywood Awards on May 2, 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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

Dylan and Cole Sprouse during a panel discussion on January 12, 2005, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse during a panel discussion on January 12, 2005, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the Disneyland 50th Anniversary "Happiest Homecoming On Earth" Celebration on May 4, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the Disneyland 50th Anniversary “Happiest Homecoming On Earth” Celebration on May 4, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole at the Hollywood Radio and Television Society's "Kids Day 2005" event in Hollywood on August 10, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole at the Hollywood Radio and Television Society’s “Kids Day 2005” event in Hollywood on August 10, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan at the "Stars of the Disney Channel Meet the Press" event on February 9, 2006,  in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan at the “Stars of the Disney Channel Meet the Press” event on February 9, 2006, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

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 and Dylan Sprouse on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on September 25, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on September 25, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse, circa 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse, circa 2006. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse, circa 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole Sprouse, circa 2006. | Source: Getty Images

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.”

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" on June 24, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” on June 24, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at their 16th birthday party bash hosted by Nintendo on August 9, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at their 16th birthday party bash hosted by Nintendo on August 9, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Dylan and Cole at the "Target Presents Variety's Power of Youth" event on October 4, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan and Cole at the “Target Presents Variety’s Power of Youth” event on October 4, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 16th Annual Family Halloween Carnival on October 26, 2008, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 16th Annual Family Halloween Carnival on October 26, 2008, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 16th Annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles event on October 24, 2009, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the 16th Annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles event on October 24, 2009, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the "Kick-Ass" premiere on April 13, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the “Kick-Ass” premiere on April 13, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

They had completely lost their round, pinch-able 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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the launch of their celebrity shake at Millions of Milkshakes on November 13, 2010, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cole and Dylan Sprouse at the launch of their celebrity shake at Millions of Milkshakes on November 13, 2010, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse filming an episode of season 2 of Disney's "The Suite Life on Deck" in 2010. | Source: Getty Images

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