Cole Sprouse

Cole Sprouse: From Child Star to Multifaceted Artist​

Cole Mitchell Sprouse, born on August 4, 1992, in Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy, is an American actor and photographer who has transitioned from a successful child actor to a versatile artist in the entertainment industry. He gained early fame alongside his twin brother, Dylan Sprouse, through various joint acting ventures and has since established a distinct identity with notable roles in television and film, as well as accomplishments in photography.

Early Life and Educational Pursuits

Born to American parents Matthew Sprouse and Melanie Wright, who were teaching English in Italy at the time, Cole was named after jazz singer Nat King Cole. The family relocated to Long Beach, California, when the twins were four months old. Encouraged by their grandmother, Jonine Booth Wright, a drama teacher and actress, Cole and Dylan began acting at eight months old, often sharing roles due to child labor laws. Cole pursued higher education at New York University, enrolling in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where he majored in archaeology and humanities, graduating in 2015 .​

Acting Career and Notable Roles

Cole's acting career commenced with shared roles with his brother in commercials and television series such as Grace Under Fire (1993–1998) and the film Big Daddy (1999). He gained individual recognition portraying Ben Geller, Ross's son, in the sitcom Friends (2001–2002). The twins achieved significant fame starring as Cody and Zack Martin in Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008) and its spin-off The Suite Life on Deck (2008–2011) .​

After a hiatus to focus on his education, Cole returned to acting, taking on the role of Jughead Jones in The CW's Riverdale (2017–2023), a series based on Archie Comics, which revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of viewers . He also starred in the romantic drama film Five Feet Apart (2019) and appeared in other projects such as Moonshot (2022) and Lisa Frankenstein (2024) .​

Photography and Artistic Endeavors

Beyond acting, Cole has cultivated a passion for photography, establishing himself as a talented photographer with work featured in publications like Teen Vogue, L'Uomo Vogue, and The Sunday Times Style. He launched a personal photography website in 2011 and has undertaken various editorial shoots, capturing portraits and fashion spreads .​

Personal Life and Public Image

Cole has been open about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, likening his early fame to living in a reality show. He emphasizes the importance of privacy and has navigated his public image with a blend of openness and discretion. Cole dated his Riverdale co-star Lili Reinhart from 2017 until their separation in 2020. Since 2021, he has been in a relationship with model Ari Fournier .​

Cole Sprouse's journey from a child actor to a multifaceted artist exemplifies his adaptability and commitment to personal growth. His endeavors in acting and photography reflect a dedication to his crafts, making him a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment.