The Unseen Powerhouse: 7 Surprising Facts About Ryan Coogler's Wife, Zinzi Coogler

For fans searching for "Ryan Coogler girlfriend," the truth is far more compelling: the visionary director of Black Panther and Creed is not just dating, but is married to his long-time partner and creative collaborator, Zinzi Coogler (née Evans). Their relationship is one of Hollywood's most enduring and private, spanning decades from their high school days to co-founding a major multimedia production company. As of December 2025, their partnership is the foundation of a growing cinematic empire, with Zinzi stepping into the spotlight as an influential producer in her own right.

This article dives deep into the life of Zinzi Coogler, exploring her background, her pivotal role in Ryan's journey, and the latest projects they are developing together through their powerful banner, Proximity Media. Far from being a traditional Hollywood spouse, Zinzi is a multifaceted professional whose contributions are shaping the future of diverse storytelling.

Zinzi Coogler: A Snapshot Biography

Zinzi Coogler is a producer, former athlete, and business executive who has been a constant, grounding force in Ryan Coogler's life and career. She is a co-founder of Proximity Media, the production company behind major projects like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the upcoming Marvel series Ironheart.

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• Full Name: Zinzi Evans (now Coogler)
• Date of Birth: Information is kept private, but sources indicate she is close in age to Ryan Coogler (born 1986).
• Place of Birth: Oakland, California, or surrounding Bay Area.
• Education: Attended Fresno State University, where she was an accomplished athlete.
• Athletic Career: A WAC Scholar Athlete and top cross-country runner for the Fresno State Bulldogs.
• Relationship Status: Married to Ryan Coogler (Director, Screenwriter, Producer).
• Marriage Date: May 2016.
• Children: Two children (names and genders are kept private).
• Current Roles: Co-Founder of Proximity Media, Producer, Deputy Director/Manager, and former freelance sign language interpreter.

The Decades-Long Love Story: From Teenage Sweethearts to Hollywood Power Couple

The relationship between Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler is a rare Hollywood anomaly: a love story that began in their formative years and strengthened through their rise to global fame. Their bond provides the emotional and professional stability that underpins Ryan Coogler's ambitious career.

A Bay Area Beginning and College Sweethearts

Ryan and Zinzi first crossed paths in the Bay Area when they were teenagers, around 13 or 14 years old. Their first date was a classic movie theater outing to see the film Bring It On (2000), a memory Coogler has shared publicly, highlighting the deep, long-standing nature of their connection. This foundation of friendship and shared history is crucial to understanding their powerful partnership today.

Their relationship continued through their college years. While Ryan Coogler was pursuing his football career and later film studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Zinzi was an academic and athletic star at Fresno State, excelling in cross-country. This period saw them navigating the challenges of long-distance and demanding collegiate schedules, forging a resilient bond that would later serve them well in the demanding world of Hollywood filmmaking.

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They tied the knot in a private ceremony in May 2016, a year after Ryan Coogler's breakout success with the film Creed. The marriage cemented a commitment that had already lasted over a decade. They are known for maintaining a fiercely private family life, choosing to keep the details and identities of their two children out of the public eye, a testament to their desire for normalcy amidst their high-profile careers.

Proximity Media: Building a Creative Empire Together

Zinzi Coogler's professional identity is deeply intertwined with her husband's, but she is far from a silent partner. In 2021, the couple, along with collaborator Sev Ohanian, co-founded Proximity Media, a multimedia production company dedicated to creating event-driven content across film, TV, music, and animation.

The Producer Role and Creative Vision

Zinzi Coogler serves as a producer and key executive at Proximity Media. Her role extends beyond business logistics; she is actively involved in shaping the company's slate of diverse and socially relevant projects. This includes major collaborations with industry giants like Disney and Marvel Studios, specifically on projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

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While Ryan Coogler is the director and screenwriter, Zinzi’s work as a producer is essential to bringing their vision to life. She is credited on several high-profile projects, demonstrating her acumen in development and production management.

Latest Projects and Future Impact (2024-2025)

The Proximity Media slate, with Zinzi Coogler as a driving force, is one of the most exciting in the industry. The company is actively developing a diverse range of projects that showcase their commitment to unique storytelling.

• A Vicious Circle Adaptation: One of the latest confirmed projects involves Zinzi Coogler, Ryan Coogler, and Sev Ohanian producing a film adaptation of the acclaimed BOOM! Studios graphic novel series, A Vicious Circle. This science-fiction/action project, acquired by Universal Pictures, is a clear indicator of the company's focus on high-concept, ambitious cinema.
• Prince Musical Project: Proximity Media is also set to produce a new musical movie based on the iconic music of Prince. This ambitious endeavor highlights Zinzi’s and the company’s broad scope, moving from superhero films and comic adaptations to musical biopics.
• The Future of Wakanda: The company remains deeply involved with the MCU, having worked on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and continuing to develop the Disney+ series Ironheart, which is set to expand the world of Wakanda and its technology.

More Than a Partner: Zinzi Coogler’s Independent Career and Influence

Before her executive role at Proximity Media, Zinzi Coogler had an impressive career path that speaks to her dedication and diverse skill set. This independent success underscores why their marriage is viewed as a true partnership of equals.

A Career in Communication and Management

Zinzi is not only a producer but has also worked as a freelance sign language interpreter and a deputy director/manager. This background in communication and community service provides a unique perspective that undoubtedly informs the socially conscious and diverse storytelling that Proximity Media is known for. Her work ethic, honed during her time as a competitive college athlete and a WAC Scholar Athlete, translates directly into her demanding role as a media executive.

The Anchor of Ryan Coogler’s Creative Life

Ryan Coogler has often spoken about the importance of his wife in his life, describing her as his anchor. She was with him through the difficult, low-budget production of his debut feature, Fruitvale Station, and has been by his side for global blockbusters like Black Panther and the Creed franchise. Their shared history, combined with their professional collaboration, makes Zinzi Coogler a crucial, yet often unseen, figure in modern Hollywood. She is the definitive partner, not the director's "girlfriend," but his wife, confidante, and co-CEO of their creative destiny.