Dylan Sprouse, the beloved star of Disney Channel’s hit show "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," has recently made headlines by sharing his thoughtfully principled stance on humor during his time on the show. It all goes back to a pivotal moment when he refused to deliver a scripted fat joke directed at his on-screen mother, Kim Rhodes, who was pregnant at the time.
During the latest episode of SiriusXM’s "Andy Cohen Live," Dylan recalled the incident where writers had thought it funny to poke at Rhodes about her weight gain due to pregnancy. Clearly uncomfortable, he opted to skip the line every time it came up during rehearsals, demonstrating his maturity far beyond his years. “I just don’t really think fat jokes are funny,” he asserted during the broadcast. Instead of accepting the joke, Sprouse took the opportunity to stand up for his co-star, saying, “You write something funny and I’ll say it,” when prompted by the executive producer to deliver the line. This anecdote, shared by Rhodes on the "Back to the Best" podcast, was met with laughter and admiration, underscoring Sprouse’s conviction even as a young actor.
This incident happened when Sprouse was around 14 or 15 years old, and it showcased not just his sense of humor but also his strong moral compass. Speaking about the humorous tone of the series, Dylan expressed disdain for jokes targeting people’s appearances. He pointed out, “If you’re pointing the finger at people and talking about how they look, I just don’t tend to find [that] very funny.” Such remarks reveal his belief in lifting others up instead of making them the butt of jokes — even if scripted by big-time writers.
Kim Rhodes, who portrayed Carey Martin — the upbeat and caring mother to the twin brothers Zack and Cody — reminisced about the support she received from the Sprouse brothers throughout filming. She fondly highlighted how both Dylan and his twin brother, Cole, often defended her. “They defended me all the way through,” Rhodes said, echoing sentiments of appreciation for their professionalism and thoughtfulness. This dynamic made their on-screen family all the more relatable and authentic, as the actors genuinely respected each other on and off the set.
Rhodes recalls the moment vividly when, after skipping over the joke during rehearsals, they finally taped the scene before the studio audience, where the executive producer insisted, “Dylan, say the line!” Dylan maintained his position firmly, stating, “I would not disrespect any woman like this, let alone this woman.” His commitment to not saying anything hurtful was clear, demonstrating the level of maturity the young actor possessed.
This behavior wasn’t just reflective of individual character, but also of the culture cultivated on the set. Rhodes shared how their co-star, Phill Lewis — who played Mr. Moseby — encouraged the twins to recognize their unique position on the show. He often reminded them, “You’re the only people on this set who are not expendable.” This resulted in the young actors fully aware of their influence and responsibility, knowing they could advocate for others.
"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" was not only successful because of its comedic elements; it also garnered attention for its portrayal of characters who showed real care and concern for one another. The behind-the-scenes stories showcase how the creators and actors alike aimed to craft something positive. The series quickly became iconic, running for three seasons and even leading to spin-offs like "The Suite Life on Deck." Despite the show’s success, the Sprouse twins eventually left Disney due to creative differences, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of their independent journeys.
Reflecting on their experiences as child stars, Dylan acknowledged the constant balancing act of managing fame and staying true to himself. He even humorously remarked about his father’s grounding influence, recalling how his dad once chastised him for being rude to actor Matt Damon during a set visit because he was too engrossed in video games. It was moments like these, both humorous and serious, which shaped the characters the Sprouse brothers would eventually portray as they transitioned from young stars to adults.
The positive messages and meaningful interactions highlighted throughout the show have undeniably impacted viewers. It not only entertained but also taught lessons about respect, kindness, and standing up for one another. Dylan and Cole Sprouse have continued to embody these principles as they’ve matured, and Dylan’s recent expressions about humor only reinforce the values they once learned on the set, now set against the backdrop of maturity.
These reflections from the Sprouse brothers serve as reminders about the importance of empathy and positivity, especially within the often cutthroat entertainment industry. They also reveal how kindness can resonate deeply, shaping interactions on and off-screen. For many young viewers, this behind-the-scenes honesty is just as valuable as the scripted laughter and storylines they enjoyed, making the lessons all the more enduring. It seems like the true legacy of "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" is not simply the comedic moments but the powerful connections formed and persevered through respect.