Remembering Catherine O’Hara at the Westminster Kennel Club
It’s moments like these that remind us how deeply art can intertwine with our everyday lives. Just days after the beloved actress Catherine O’Hara passed away at 71, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took a heartfelt pause from its glitzy canine competition to honor her. Broadcast live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, this isn’t your average dog show moment—it’s a pop culture tribute that brought together Hollywood flair and the world of purebred pets in a way that felt both surprising and deeply resonant.
Midway through the event, right in the middle of judging for the Norwich Terrier category, the arena’s screens flickered to life with a video montage celebrating O’Hara’s remarkable career. You’ll know her best from her iconic role in Christopher Guest’s hilarious 2000 mockumentary Best in Show, where she and her longtime co-star Eugene Levy played a quirky married couple whose scrappy terrier, Winky, steals the show at a fictional dog competition. The video highlighted her brilliance, blending clips from her films with the essence of a legend whose laughter echoed through generations. As the montage wrapped up, simple yet powerful onscreen text ran: her birth and death years, followed by “a true legend, timeless talent and icon.” It was a simple gesture, but in the grandeur of Madison Square Garden, it hit like a wave of shared sorrow and admiration.
This touching tribute wasn’t kept behind closed doors—it spread like wildfire on social media. Actor Michael Judson Berry shared footage on Instagram, and soon fans everywhere were chiming in, their emotions raw and real. One user teared up, writing, “That made me cry, love that they did that for her,” while another echoed, “This is absolutely beautiful.” It wasn’t just polite applause; people were genuinely moved, especially how it tied into the Norwich Terriers—the very breed featured in Best in Show. For those who’ve watched the film, it was like revisiting a favorite memory, making the tribute feel personal and unplanned.
O’Hara’s nod from Westminster highlights the enduring charm of Best in Show and the collaborative magic she shared with directors like Christopher Guest and stars like Levy. Over the years, this trio shaped some of the funniest mockumentaries, from Waiting for Guffman to A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. They crafted worlds filled with exaggerated characters that strangely mirrored real life—snobby dog breeders, bumbling rock bands, and everyday eccentrics. O’Hara’s talent shone in bringing warmth and wit to these roles, whether she was channeling intense drama in horror flicks like The Nightmare Before Christmas or serving up sarcasm in sitcoms. Her loss reminds us of how these films not only entertained but connected us through shared laughter.
Reflecting on their bond, Levy opened up in a heartfelt statement to Entertainment Weekly. “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today,” he said with that familiar sincerity. They’ve been partners for over 50 years, from the early days of Second City improv and SCTV sketches, through their Guest films, and all the way to the runaway success of Schitt’s Creek. “I cherished our working relationship but most of all our friendship,” Levy added, painting a picture of a connection that went beyond scripts—a real, human bond built on mutual respect and endless inside jokes.
Beyond the dog show and social waves, tributes to O’Hara have popped up in other ways too. Streaming giant Netflix jumped in, adding five of her classic films to its U.S. and Canadian libraries shortly after her passing, making it easier for fans to revisit her genius. It’s a quiet way to keep her spirit alive, inviting new viewers to discover why she’s been called a “national treasure.” In a world that loves celebrities, this outpouring—from a prestigious dog competition to your living room screen—shows just how many hearts she touched. Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of laughter and light, and in honoring her this way, we’re all a little richer for it. It’s the kind of remembrance that makes you smile through tears, celebrating a life well-lived in showbiz.
