5. Cole Sprouse — From Disney Twin to Brooding Photographer
Along with his twin Dylan, Cole Sprouse starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and its spinoff Suite Life on Deck. The twins were household names, and it seemed inevitable they would fade once their Disney contracts ended.
Cole, however, chose education first. He studied archaeology at New York University, spending time on excavations and developing a passion for photography. He later returned to acting in a completely different genre, taking on the role of Jughead Jones in the dark teen drama Riverdale.
At the same time, he launched a career as a professional photographer, shooting for magazines and fashion brands. His shift from Disney sitcom star to moody photographer and serious actor was unexpected, showing how a child star could carve out multiple identities over time.