If you had school-aged children in 2003, chances are they were captivated and delighted by the Baker family in Cheaper by the Dozen, starring Steve Martin and Bonny Hunt as the parents to 12 energetic and trouble-making children (Ashton Kutcher’s underwear soaked in meat still makes me laugh to this day).
The story was first told in a 1940s bestselling novel, was adapted to the screen for the first time in 1950, and re-entered the hearts of children and families around the world in the early 2000s.
On March 18, 2022, Disney released a new take on the tale on their streaming platform, starring Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union as the parents of a blended family with 12 children.
Among the new wacky dozen are Bronx and Bailey, played by 9-year-old identical twins Sebastian and Christian Cote.
So who ARE Sebastian and Christian Cote?
Although Cheaper by the Dozen is their feature film debut, Sebastian and Christian have been working toward this big break since the tender age of three. The Baltimore, Maryland natives signed with a talent agent and began modeling together – mainly working on commercials for several years.
The twins made the shift to television in 2020, where they played George Keller in the Hulu horror series, Monsterland.
When they aren’t pursuing their acting dreams or working hard in school, Sebastian and Christian are your typical nine-year-old boys. They love playing video games and sports, and are particularly talented in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer. You can often find them hanging out with friends or watching movies. They’re both fans of the Disney movie Encanto.
Just Because They’re Identical Doesn’t Mean They’re Exactly Alike
Like most identical twins, it can be challenging to tell them apart at first glance. However, their shared experiences, along with distinct motivations and interests make them anything but the same.
The bond shared by identical twins is unique and challenging. Unlike sibling rivalry in singletons, “Twin” rivalry, as described by Dr. Joan A. Friedman, is part of a healthy twin relationship. It can often be conflated though, with a misconception that twins can or should always share the same thoughts and feelings.
Sebastian and Christian shared some of their differences and similarities that contribute to their strong bond as brothers and friends as they experience an exciting new chapter in their acting careers.
What’s your most challenging acting role so far?
Sebastian: “My role as Bronx Baker in Cheaper by the Dozen was the most challenging because there were a lot more lines to remember and more emotions to show.”
Christian: “Young George Keller in Hulu’s anthology series “Monsterland” because I had to show more of a range of emotions.”
Which genre of acting do you feel you’d like to explore?
Christian: “I would like to explore Horror because I want to make people scared or creeped out.”
Sebastian: “For me, Action because I want to do fight scenes and my own stunts.”
Who do you consider to be your acting role model or whose career you would like to emulate, and why?
Sebastian: “Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is my acting role model because he’s strong, determined and does some of his own stunts.
Christian: “I consider Lin-Manuel Miranda my acting role model because he acts, sings and writes his own music.”
What’s your dream career?
Sebastian: “I want to be a DJ like Marshmello.”
Christian: “I want to be a doctor, chef and continue to act.”
Life and Family
Christian and Sebastian have done almost everything together. They’re active in sports and excel at school.
What is your favorite memory of one another?
Sebastian: “My favorite memory is smashing cake in each other’s faces during our Zoom quarantine birthday party.”
Christian: “It was riding horses on a mountain in LA.”
What is one thing that you can do well that the other can’t?
Sebastian: “I actually pass the ball and can do layups in basketball.”
Christian: “I can cook better than him.”
What nicknames do you have for each other?
Both: “We call each other Crash and Bash.”
Finally, of course, we have to ask, what is the silliest question you’ve gotten about being twins?
Both: “Are you twins??”
What’s Next?
Sebastian uses words like “cool,” “helpful,” and “funny” to describe his brother. Christian thinks of his sibling as “friendly, “generous” and “smart”. Does this mean more success working together on future projects? We’ll have to wait and see!
As they experience the thrill of their first feature film, we can’t wait to see where their ambition and passion for life will take them next!
You can keep up with everything Sebastian and Christian are doing via their Instagram, @TheCote_Twins.
And be sure to watch and show your support for Sebastian and Christian’s film debut in Cheaper by the Dozen Available now and only on Disney+.
