Westminster Dog Show pulled off something truly special this week.
Days after legendary actress Catherine O’Hara passed away at 71, the iconic canine competition paused mid-show to honor her unforgettable role in Best in Show.
The timing? Perfect.
The tribute played during the Norwich terrier breed judging—the exact breed O’Hara’s character showed in Christopher Guest’s beloved 2000 mockumentary.
A Madison Square Garden Moment
Actor Michael Judson Berry captured footage from inside New York City’s Madison Square Garden venue Tuesday night, sharing the touching moment to Instagram. Westminster cued up a video montage featuring clips from O’Hara’s career, with special emphasis on her role as Cookie Fleck in Best in Show.
In Guest’s mockumentary, O’Hara played half of a quirky dog-owning couple alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy. Their Norwich terrier, Winky, defied all odds to claim victory at the fictional Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show.
After the montage finished playing, text appeared on screen displaying O’Hara’s birth and death years, followed by a simple but powerful message.
A true legend, timeless talent, and icon.
More Than Just One Movie
Best in Show represented just one chapter in O’Hara’s remarkable collaborative history with Guest and Levy. Their creative partnership spanned decades, producing comedy gold across multiple projects.
Their ensemble comedies became cultural touchstones:
- Waiting for Guffman – The mockumentary that started it all
- A Mighty Wind – A folk music parody that earned critical acclaim
- For Your Consideration – A sharp satire of Hollywood awards season
But their partnership didn’t stop at Guest’s films.
Schitt’s Creek Changed Everything
O’Hara and Levy co-led the cultural phenomenon Schitt’s Creek, cementing their status as one of comedy’s greatest duos. The show ran for six beloved seasons, culminating in Emmy wins for both stars.
Their on-screen chemistry felt effortless because their off-screen friendship ran deep. Five decades deep, in fact.
Levy’s Heartbreaking Words
Following O’Hara’s death announcement Friday, Levy shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly that captured half a century of friendship and creative collaboration.
Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over 50 years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship.
Levy extended his condolences to O’Hara’s family, including husband Bo Welch—a renowned production designer—and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.
Why This Tribute Matters
Westminster Dog Show’s decision to honor O’Hara speaks volumes about Best in Show‘s lasting cultural impact. Released nearly 25 years ago, Guest’s mockumentary remains beloved by dog enthusiasts and comedy fans alike.
O’Hara’s Cookie Fleck became instantly iconic—neurotic, hilarious, and somehow deeply relatable despite the absurdist comedy surrounding her character.
By timing the tribute during Norwich terrier judging, Westminster created a perfect full-circle moment. Art imitated life, which then honored art in return.
A Career That Transcended Genres
While Best in Show and Schitt’s Creek defined her later career, O’Hara’s talents stretched far beyond comedy. Her range as a performer earned her recognition across film, television, and stage work spanning five decades.
Her roots with Second City and SCTV established her as a comedic force. Those early days performing alongside Levy laid groundwork for collaborations that would entertain millions.
O’Hara brought authenticity to every role, whether playing a small-town theater enthusiast in Waiting for Guffman or a formerly wealthy matriarch rebuilding her life in Schitt’s Creek.
Remembering Cookie Fleck
Cookie Fleck wasn’t just another character—she represented O’Hara’s gift for finding humanity within absurdity. Her performance balanced cringe-worthy moments with genuine heart, making audiences simultaneously laugh and empathize.
Westminster’s tribute ensures that connection between O’Hara and dog show culture lives on. Future generations discovering Best in Show will now share that legacy with Westminster attendees who witnessed Tuesday night’s memorial.
In honoring O’Hara during actual Norwich terrier judging, Westminster Dog Show proved that great art creates lasting bonds—between actors and audiences, between comedy and reality, between a legendary performer and the community she so brilliantly satirized.