Dylan Sprouse Reflects on Child Stardom, Calls Early Acting Career “Child Labor”

Actor Dylan Sprouse has opened up about the challenges of growing up in the entertainment industry, describing his childhood acting career as a form of “child labor.”

Speaking on the Wildmen podcast, the 34-year-old actor said he wanted to discuss the experience of child stardom with guest Mark Indelicato, who also began acting at a young age on Ugly Betty.

“We’re beating around the bush, but it’s child labor,” Sprouse said. “When you work at that age… Some kids used to work in coal mines and guard the mine cart door when they were 15, we just sang and danced. It’s still child labor!”

Sprouse said working from ages 8 to 17 gave him “some mental hurdles” that he continues to work through as an adult. He compared working on television to having a regular office job, describing the long hours and routine of going to a set, working and returning home.

The actor also said that when productions ended, he often experienced an internal “void.” He explained that his self-esteem had become closely connected to his ability to work and be on set.

Indelicato said he could relate, explaining that he still experiences anxiety when he does not have an outlet for creative work. He and Sprouse agreed that people who grew up in the entertainment industry can provide an important source of understanding and support for one another.

Sprouse also credited his identical twin brother, Cole Sprouse, with helping him navigate their unusual childhood. The brothers began acting as infants and often shared roles because of child labor regulations.

They later became stars of Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which premiered in 2005 when they were 12. The series was followed by the spinoff The Suite Life on Deck.