You remember the lobby. That gold-trimmed, slightly chaotic Tipton Hotel entrance where Mr. Moseby spent roughly 90% of his life yelling "No running in my lobby!" It feels like a lifetime ago. For many of us, the Suite Life of Zack and Cody actors weren't just faces on a screen; they were the kids we grew up with every Friday night. But the Disney Channel "graduation" is a strange beast. Some actors sprint toward indie film prestige, some vanish into quiet lives, and others find themselves navigating the complicated machinery of adult stardom.
Honestly, it’s fascinating. You’ve got twins who became academic powerhouses and a blonde heiress who turned into a voice-over queen.
People always ask if they’re still friends. They want to know if the "Disney curse" hit this cast as hard as it hit others. The short answer? Not really. Most of them are doing surprisingly well, though their paths look nothing like what we expected back in 2005.
The Sprouse Twins: From Twin Peaks to Photography
Cole and Dylan Sprouse were the undisputed kings of the Disney lot. But here’s the thing: they actually quit. Right at the peak of their fame, they walked away to attend NYU. That’s rare. Usually, child stars try to "bridge the gap" with a gritty R-rated movie immediately. Not these two.
Cole Sprouse eventually resurfaced in a massive way with Riverdale. He played Jughead Jones for seven seasons, leaning into a moody, cynical vibe that was the polar opposite of Cody Martin. But if you follow him on Instagram, you know his real passion is photography. He’s shot for L'Uomo Vogue and The Sunday Times. He’s a legitimate professional behind the lens, not just a celebrity with a fancy camera. He’s been vocal about the psychological toll of growing up in the spotlight, often describing the Disney era as a "job" rather than a childhood.
Dylan took a different route. While Cole stayed in the Hollywood grind, Dylan opened a meadery. Yeah, you read that right. All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. He became a brewmaster. He still acts—look at Beautiful Disaster or his work in indie films—but he seems much more interested in his business and his marriage to model Barbara Palvin. He’s the "chill" twin, or at least the one who realized he didn’t need a blockbuster to be happy.
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Brenda Song and the Longevity of London Tipton
London Tipton was basically a parody of Paris Hilton, but Brenda Song gave her a heart. It’s hard to play "dumb" without being annoying, and she nailed it.
After the show, Brenda didn’t disappear. She actually had a really pivotal role in The Social Network, which was a huge "grown-up" moment for her. These days, she’s a mom. She’s engaged to Macaulay Culkin—arguably the most famous child star in history—which makes them a sort of Disney-meets-Home-Alone power couple. She’s also the lead voice in Disney’s Amphibia. She found a way to stay in the industry without letting it consume her personal life. It’s a blueprint for how to survive child stardom.
Ashley Tisdale: The Mogul in the Room
While the Suite Life of Zack and Cody actors were all successful, Ashley Tisdale was the one who felt like she was everywhere. Between playing Maddie Fitzpatrick and Sharpay Evans in High School Musical, she was the face of the mid-2000s.
But acting isn’t really her primary thing anymore.
She’s a lifestyle mogul now. She launched Being Frenshe, a wellness and interior design brand that’s actually doing quite well in retailers like Target. She’s been very open about her struggles with anxiety and her decision to dissolve her breast implants for health reasons. She’s shifted from being a "teen idol" to a "wellness influencer," and honestly, the pivot worked. She’s relatable. She talks about motherhood and mental health in a way that doesn’t feel scripted.
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The Supporting Cast: Mr. Moseby and Beyond
We have to talk about Phill Lewis.
Phill Lewis is Mr. Moseby. But did you know he’s one of the most prolific directors in sitcom history? After the show ended, he transitioned behind the camera. He’s directed episodes of The Neighborhood, One Day at a Time, 2 Broke Girls, and even iCarly. He’s a powerhouse in the multi-cam sitcom world. When you see him at reunions with the twins, the affection is clearly real.
Then there’s Kim Rhodes, who played the boys' mom, Carey Martin. She went on to have a massive cult following in the Supernatural fandom as Sheriff Jody Mills. She’s a staple at fan conventions now. She often talks about how the set of Suite Life was a protective bubble for the kids, which might explain why they all turned out relatively sane.
Why We Still Care About These Actors
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug, but there’s more to it. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody actors represent a specific era of television where the "live audience" sitcom was still king. There’s a comfort in seeing them succeed.
We saw them lose their baby teeth. We saw their voices change.
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When a child star "fails," it feels like a personal indictment of the media we consumed. When they "win"—like Cole getting a lead role or Brenda finding a stable family life—it feels like a win for the audience, too. They navigated a system that is notorious for chewing people up, and they came out the other side with careers, businesses, and degrees.
What to Watch If You Miss the Tipton
If you want to see the evolution of these performers, don't just rewatch the old episodes on Disney+.
Check out The Social Network to see Brenda Song break out of the "ditzy" trope. Watch Cole Sprouse’s episode of Variety's Actors on Actors where he discusses the craft of photography and performance. Or, if you’re into the business side of things, look up Dylan’s interviews about the fermentation process of mead.
The best way to support former child stars is to engage with their adult work. They aren't the characters they played when they were twelve. They are creators, parents, and entrepreneurs.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Follow their current ventures: If you liked Ashley Tisdale, check out her wellness brand Being Frenshe for actual mental health resources.
- Support indie projects: Look for Dylan Sprouse's smaller film roles, which often show a range you never saw on Disney Channel.
- Watch the credits: Next time you're watching a modern sitcom, look for Phill Lewis’s name in the director's chair; he’s likely the reason the timing is so sharp.
- Respect their boundaries: Many of these actors have spoken about the intensity of "Stan" culture. Engaging with their new work as professionals rather than "Disney kids" is the best way to show appreciation for their growth.
The "Suite Life" ended a long time ago, but the careers of these actors are still very much in progress. They’ve moved out of the hotel and into the real world, and for the most part, they're doing just fine.