Former Disney star Dylan Sprouse says acting as a kid was ‘child labor

Former Disney Channel star Dylan Sprouse characterized child acting as child labor during a recent episode of his podcast "Wildmen." Speaking with co-host Brendan Columbus and guest Mark Indelicato, the 34-year-old actor detailed the intense professional demands placed on young performers in television. Sprouse described set life as equivalent to a full-time office job with rigid shift structures and long work hours. He acknowledged experiencing long-term mental health challenges and tying his self-esteem to continuous productivity since childhood. Sprouse began acting at age six alongside his twin brother, Cole Sprouse, starring in the feature film "Big Daddy" before landing lead roles on Disney Channel's "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." Cole Sprouse previously noted on podcasts in March 2023 that financial motives drove their childhood careers. The remarks highlight growing scrutiny over historical child labor protections and mental health safeguards in entertainment.