Days after Catherine O’Hara’s passing at age 71, Westminster Dog Show delivered a heartfelt tribute that perfectly captured her comedic legacy.
The iconic dog competition paid homage to O’Hara’s unforgettable role in the 2000 Christopher Guest mockumentary Best in Show.
And the timing? Absolutely perfect.
During Tuesday night’s Norwich terrier breed judging at Madison Square Garden, organizers paused competition to honor one of comedy’s greatest talents.
A Perfect Tribute During Norwich Terrier Judging
Westminster curated a video montage featuring clips from O’Hara’s illustrious career, with special emphasis on Best in Show. In that beloved film, O’Hara portrayed Cookie Fleck, one half of a dog-owning couple alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy.
Their Norwich terrier, Winky, defied astronomical odds to claim victory at the fictional Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. The real-life Westminster organizers scheduled their tribute during actual Norwich terrier judging—a thoughtful detail that wasn’t lost on attendees.
Actor Michael Judson Berry captured footage of the moment and shared it to Instagram, where fans quickly celebrated the touching gesture.
After clips played on massive screens inside Madison Square Garden, text appeared displaying O’Hara’s birth and death years, followed by a simple message: “A true legend, timeless talent, and icon.”
A Legacy Built on Legendary Collaborations
Best in Show represented just one chapter in O’Hara’s remarkable partnership with Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. Their creative chemistry produced multiple ensemble comedy classics over decades of collaboration.
Major projects between the trio included:
- Waiting for Guffman – Guest’s breakthrough mockumentary
- A Mighty Wind – Folk music parody that earned critical acclaim
- For Your Consideration – Hollywood satire showcasing their improvisational genius
But O’Hara and Levy’s partnership extended far beyond Guest’s films. They co-led Schitt’s Creek, the wildly popular sitcom that became a cultural phenomenon during its six-season run.
Both actors earned Emmy Awards for their performances as Moira and Johnny Rose, cementing their status as comedy royalty.
Eugene Levy’s Heartbreaking Statement
Following O’Hara’s death announcement on Friday, Levy shared an emotional statement with Entertainment Weekly that revealed the depth of their friendship.
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.
Levy traced their relationship from early days performing together on Second City stages through SCTV, Guest’s films, and their triumphant Schitt’s Creek collaboration.
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.
He extended condolences to O’Hara’s husband, production designer Bo Welch, 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 Best in Show Remains Comedy Gold
Released in 2000, Best in Show showcased O’Hara’s improvisational brilliance and comedic timing. Her character Cookie Fleck brought neurotic energy and genuine heart to every scene.
Guest’s mockumentary format allowed O’Hara and fellow cast members tremendous creative freedom. Much of the dialogue was improvised, resulting in authentic, hilarious moments that scripted comedy rarely achieves.
The film became a cult classic, inspiring countless dog show enthusiasts and comedy fans alike. O’Hara’s performance stood out even among an exceptional ensemble cast that included Parker Posey, Fred Willard, and Jennifer Coolidge.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
O’Hara’s influence on comedy extended far beyond Best in Show. Her work on SCTV during the 1970s and 80s established her as a versatile performer capable of inhabiting wildly different characters.
She brought warmth and humor to family films like Home Alone and Beetlejuice, introducing her talents to multiple generations. Voice acting roles in projects like Frankenweenie and Nightmare Before Christmas demonstrated her range.
Schitt’s Creek became her crowning achievement later in life, proving that great talent only improves with age and experience.
Westminster’s Fitting Farewell
For Westminster Dog Show organizers to pause their prestigious competition and honor O’Hara speaks volumes about her cultural impact. Best in Show introduced countless viewers to competitive dog showing while simultaneously celebrating the absurdity and passion within that world.
The tribute reminded everyone present—and those watching at home—that O’Hara’s comedic genius touched lives across unexpected corners of entertainment and culture.
Her legacy lives on through unforgettable performances, cherished collaborations, and moments like Westminster’s touching acknowledgment that some artists transcend their medium to become truly iconic.