Kim Rhodes Opens Up About Watching Zack & Cody Stars From Afar
Kim Rhodes, The Selfless "Mom" Who Watched Her On-Screen Sons' Careers Soar from a Distance
In a heartwarming and slightly heartbreaking interview with People Magazine (published exclusively on thescholarlynote.com), Kim Rhodes, the 56-year-old actress who played mom Carey Martin in the hit Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has revealed that she's been quietly watching her on-screen sons Cole and Dylan Sprouse's careers explode from a distance - without ever expecting them to reciprocate.
The show, which aired from 2005 to 2008, was a massive success, and Rhodes' portrayal of the lovable and quirky mom is still widely popular among fans. However, in a surprising twist, the actress has revealed that she's made a conscious decision not to stay in touch with the twins, instead choosing to admire their accomplishments from afar.
"I follow them on social media," Rhodes explained, "I am aware of everything they're doing, but I never want them to feel like I'm an obligation." She continued, "I follow them with delight. I follow them with pride. I love watching them launch into who they are, but I don't expect them to necessarily reciprocate."
This decision has left fans feeling a mix of emotions - some are saddened by the idea that Rhodes isn't closer to her on-screen sons, while others are praising her for being "selfless" and "supportive." One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, "I'm sorry but this thought of her brings me to tears... This is how my mother used to talk to me like... She is proud of you but she also doesn't expect you to care for her in old age as an expectation..."
Meanwhile, another fan echoed the sentiment, saying, "This is actually kinda sad." However, many others are commending Rhodes' kindness and generosity. One user wrote, "That's such a kind and selfless way to look at it. Pure class."
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody follows 12-year-old twin brothers who live in the luxurious Tipton Hotel in Boston, where their divorced mother Carey sings and performs in the hotel lounge. The show was known for its wacky humor, lovable characters, and memorable moments - including the infamous fat jokes that Rhodes' character often faced.
In a hilarious anecdote shared during an appearance on the 90s/2000s podcast Back to the Best, Rhodes revealed that she became pregnant during filming of the series, which led to various fat jokes on the show. She recalled, "One of my favorite memories is Dylan had a line that was a fat joke, and he just kept skipping over it. It was in the middle of a chunk of dialogue... Finally we get to in front of the studio audience, and he skips it. The executive producer screams 'Cut.' He goes, 'I would not disrespect any woman that way let alone this woman. You write something funny, and I'll say it.'"
This story showcases the twins' kind nature, which has been echoed by their mother, Lisa Sprouse. "They're both my little men," Rhodes proudly declared.
After her stint on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Kim went on to have a recurring guest role in the hit series Supernatural, playing Sheriff Jody Mills. She's also appeared in Gortimer: Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, Colony, and Criminal Minds.
In recent news, Rhodes has collaborated with M&M's for their PB&J Packed Lunch Specials. Alongside the campaign, she revealed that she now lives "in the middle of nowhere" and volunteers at an animal sanctuary. She shared, "I water goats now. That's what I do! I pick up eggs, I rescue beat-up chickens... that's my life."
Rhodes' commitment to her work and love for animals is truly inspiring. And while it's clear that she made a conscious decision not to stay in touch with her on-screen sons, it's also evident that she's proud of the people they've become.
As fans continue to discuss Rhodes' heartwarming yet slightly heartbreaking interview, one thing is certain - she'll always be known as the "mom" who watched her on-screen sons soar from a distance, without ever expecting them to reciprocate.