Sprouse Calls Disney Child Labor

Dylan Sprouse has spoken about his experiences as a child star on Disney's 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody'. The actor, now 34, starred alongside his twin brother Cole in the show from 2005-2008 and then on spinoff 'Suite Life on Deck' from 2008 to 2011. Sprouse has described working on the show as being similar to having a 'day job', with long hours and little agency.

'We're beating around the bush, but it's child labor,' Sprouse said. 'Some kids used to work in coal mines and guard the mine cart door when they were 15; we just sang and danced.' He explained that growing up in the entertainment industry meant he had a 'workaholic attitude', even as a kid.

Sprouse also spoke about how his self-esteem was tied to his ability to work, saying 'It feels like my self-esteem, for a long time, was tied integrally into my ability to work and be on set.' He credited his twin brother Cole with helping him through this period.