The Sprouses were born in Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy to American parents Matthew Sprouse and Melanie Wright, who at the time were teaching at an American English language school in Italy; Dylan, named after poet Dylan Thomas, is fifteen minutes older than Cole, who is named for jazz singer and pianist Nat King Cole. The twins moved back to the United States four months after their birth, and grew up in their parents' native Long Beach, California. Their parents divorced in 1997.

Dylan played the role of Brett Butler’s youngest son Patrick Kelley on the ABC-TV series “Grace Under Fire” during the years of 1992 to 1998.

Dylan is most notable for the role of young Julian 'Frankenstein' McGrath on Adam Sandler’s blockbuster film, “Big Daddy” (1999). Dylan’s other film, “The Astronauts Wife” (1999), was release during the same month as “Big Daddy”.

Dylan’s other film credits include, "Diary of a Sex Addict" (2001), "The Master of Disguise" (2002), "Eight Crazy Nights" (2002), "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (2002), "Apple Jack" (2003), "Just for Kicks" (2003), "Piggy Banks" (2004), and "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things" (2004).

Dylan Sprouse is currently staring in the Disney Channel TV Series, "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody", playing the role of Zack Martin.