Director Ryan Coogler recently shared heartfelt memories of his late friend and star of *Black Panther*, Chadwick Boseman, during an appearance on the *Good Hang* podcast hosted by Amy Poehler. Reflecting on their time together, Coogler revealed humorous anecdotes that highlighted Boseman’s comedic side, which often contrasted with his serious on-screen persona.
On January 13, 2026, Coogler discussed the lighthearted moments they shared while filming, emphasizing how Boseman could bring laughter even in challenging circumstances. “Have you seen Chad on *SNL*? He is hilarious. He played James Brown… He could do anything,” Coogler recalled, noting Boseman’s remarkable ability to blend discipline with humor.
Boseman was not only battling colon cancer, which ultimately took his life at the age of 43, but he also managed to uplift those around him. Coogler reflected on the times when he was “ridiculously stressed out,” and Boseman would lighten the mood. Coogler reminisced, “He would tease with Lupita [Nyong’o] and Danai [Gurira], constantly cracking jokes. We would laugh most about the costumes and some of the props too.”
One particularly funny moment involved Coogler teasing Boseman about carrying a giraffe tail during a walking scene to swat away flies. Coogler humorously mimicked Boseman’s martial arts skills, saying, “He was gifted, man. Had a great sense of humor.”
Fans of Boseman expressed their appreciation for these memories, with one viewer commenting, “Thanks, Amy, for connecting Chadwick Boseman’s memory with something comedic… What a smart and thoughtful way to remember someone who’s passed, not with tears or trauma, but with laughter.” Another added that Coogler’s stories allowed for a joyful remembrance of their friendship amidst the sorrow of loss.
Amidst the laughter, Coogler also reflected on the significant life lessons he learned from Boseman. “When I look back on my relationship with him, it taught me so much. But the biggest thing is to not take things for granted,” he stated. Coogler admitted to often feeling overwhelmed by stress rather than enjoying his achievements. Boseman played a pivotal role in helping him shift his mindset.
“He would be the one to snap me out of that,” Coogler recalled, mentioning a time when he worried about being fired from *Black Panther*. “He actually pulled me to the side, and he was like, ‘Yo, stop saying that. I’m not going to let anything happen to you… I’m not letting nobody fire you, bro, so please stop saying that. Relax, man. Do your work. Enjoy it,’” Coogler said, emphasizing Boseman’s ability to remain present and grounded.
These poignant reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the impact Boseman had on those who knew him, both as a talented actor and a compassionate friend. Coogler’s recollections paint a vivid picture of a man who not only excelled in his craft but also brought joy and wisdom to those around him.
