They were the ultimate double trouble. If you watched Big Brother 17 back in 2015, you definitely remember the "Twin Twist." It was chaotic. It was messy. Honestly, it was one of the most entertaining things CBS has ever pulled off. Liz and Julia Nolan basically spent weeks swapping places in the Diary Room, trying (and often failing) to trick a house full of paranoid strangers.
Fast forward to 2026. A lot has changed since the days of the Sixth Sense alliance and the awkwardness of the "Thickums" nickname. While many reality stars fade into total obscurity, the Nolan twins have actually managed to carve out a weirdly consistent niche for themselves in Hollywood and social media.
The Reality TV Origins: More Than Just BB17
Let’s be real for a second—no one thought they’d make it as far as they did. Julia had to pretend to be Liz for weeks. They were different weights, had different voices, and different personalities. Da'Vonne Rogers sniffed it out almost immediately because she noticed "Liz" suddenly had a different face shape one day. Classic.
Despite the house knowing the secret, they didn't just survive; they thrived. Liz made it all the way to the final two, losing only to Steve Moses. People forget how much of a powerhouse that duo was. They weren't just "the twins." They were genuine strategists who used their bond to occupy two seats in an alliance while only counting as one target for the first half of the game.
Life After the Big Brother House
After the confetti settled, the Nolan twins didn't just go back to Miami and resume their regular lives. They packed up and moved to Los Angeles. Liz had a degree in business from Loyola University New Orleans, and Julia had one in mass communications. They were ready to play the game of fame.
✨ Don't miss: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
They didn't just stick to one show, either. If you’re a fan of The Challenge, you saw them pop up on War of the Worlds. It wasn't their best showing—Liz was the very first person eliminated in the "purge"— but it kept them in the reality TV ecosystem.
Liz and Julia Nolan: Where They Are in 2026
So, what are they actually doing right now? Honestly, they’ve become the go-to "identical twins" for Hollywood casting directors. It’s a specific niche, but it works.
- Acting Gigs: They’ve showed up as "twin extras" or guest stars in a surprising number of shows. You might have spotted them in the Saved by the Bell reboot or catching a background frame in Bel-Air.
- Influencer Life: With hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok, they’re doing the standard influencer thing. Fitness, fashion, and lifestyle.
- YouTube Survival: They spent years on the "Squared" YouTube channel (a hub for twins), and while they’ve moved on to their own content, they still lean heavily into the "Nolan Twins" brand.
It’s interesting. Most people expected them to be a flash in the pan. Instead, they've treated their post-show life like a business. They’ve even been open about the "botched" lip injections they got years ago, showing a level of transparency that's actually kinda refreshing for reality stars.
The Austin Matelson Factor
We can't talk about Liz without mentioning Austin "Judas" Matelson. Their showmance was... intense. Remember the finger-licking? Yeah, fans wish they could forget it too.
🔗 Read more: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
They actually dated for several months after the show ended. They met each other’s families and everything. But eventually, the "Liztin" era came to a close. Austin went back to the wrestling world (he’s now a major star in AEW as Luchasaurus/Killswitch), and Liz stayed focused on the LA scene. There’s no bad blood there, just two people who realized a pressure cooker environment like Big Brother isn't exactly the best foundation for a lifelong marriage.
Why Do People Still Care?
It’s a fair question. Why are we still talking about houseguests from season 17?
Basically, it’s because they were part of the "Golden Age" of modern Big Brother. That season was packed with legendary characters like Vanessa Rousso and Johnny Mac. The twins were the glue of the dominant alliance. They weren't "boring" players who floated to the end. They were loud, they were Miami, and they were unapologetically themselves.
How to Follow Their Current Journey
If you want to keep up with what Liz and Julia Nolan are doing today, you don't have to look far. They are extremely active on social media, often posting synchronized workouts or travel vlogs.
💡 You might also like: Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper: The Affair That Nearly Broke Hollywood
- Check Instagram: They usually post under @thenolantwins or their individual handles.
- Look for Cameos: They are still very active on fan shout-out platforms if you want a custom birthday message.
- Watch for Background Credits: They still do commercial work and extra roles in major TV productions.
They’ve proven that you don’t need to win the $500,000 to win the "post-show" game. By sticking together—literally and professionally—they’ve built a brand that has outlasted many of the winners from their era.
To see their most recent career updates, check out their official YouTube channel or follow their TikTok for daily life snippets in Los Angeles.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of the Nolan twins, the best way to support them in 2026 is through their digital storefronts and social engagement, as they have largely pivoted from full-time reality TV to long-term brand partnerships and niche acting roles.