How the Westminster Dog Show Honored 'Best in Show' Legend Catherine O’Hara

Here at Woof Republic, we were devastated to learn of legendary actress Catherine O’Hara’s recent passing. We have a deep appreciation for many of her iconic characters, especially terrier-enthusiast Cookie Fleck in the 2000 film, Best in Show. And that’s why we’re so happy that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show commemorated the late actress amid the 2026 dog competition. 

Entertainment Weekly reported that O’Hara was honored while the Norwich terrier breed was being judged. As fans of Best in Show are aware, Cookie and her husband, Gerry, played by Eugene Levy, adored their Norwich terrier, Winkie. 

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show montage showcased O’Hara’s most beloved works, with an emphasis on Best in Show. The video ended with a poignant and ever-so-accurate description of  O’Hara, reading, "A true legend, timeless talent, and icon."

Photo by Aleksandr Zaitsev on Unsplash

O’Hara and her Best in Show castmates spoke about the making of the Christopher Guest documentary in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight. Levy and O’Hara discussed one of our favorite scenes, wherein Cookie and Gerry sing their song, “God Loves a Terrier.” Levy revealed that he wrote the number before O’Hara noted that she did a lovely job harmonizing with her on-screen husband. 

Levy and O’Hara also agreed that they believed Cookie and Gerry would be podcasters in the current day if they were real. 

Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara! You’ll forever be missed!