Dylan Sprouse joins Disney stars speaking out about the lasting effects of growing up in Hollywood

Dylan Sprouse has reopened the debate over the costs of child stardom, describing his years as a young performer as “child labor” during an appearance on the Wildmen podcast.

The actor from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody compared the long days on set with office routines and even with historical working conditions in coal mines. He also spoke about the emotional burden of growing up under constant media scrutiny.

Sprouse, who is 34, said the nonstop recording schedule left mental effects that have continued into adulthood. He described an emotional emptiness after each project ended and said his self-esteem became closely connected to his ability to keep working on screen.

During the podcast, Sprouse agreed with actor Mark Indelicato on the need for people who lived through child fame to stay connected and support one another.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Sprouse has been married to model Barbara Palvin since 2023. The couple has kept much of their relationship away from media attention while continuing their professional projects. Sprouse has said he would not stop a future child from acting if that was the child’s choice, despite his own experience of the pressures of growing up in front of cameras.

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Child labor