When the Canadian comic actress Catherine O’Hara died last week at 71, fans mourning her loss had no shortage of works to revisit: “Waiting for Guffman,” “Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” “Schitt’s Creek.” But it was her turn in Christopher Guest’s 2000 mockumentary “Best in Show” that people seemed to gravitate to when looking to remember her gifts.
Ms. O’Hara played Cookie Fleck, a small-time dog handler in Florida whose Norwich terrier makes it all the way to the final round of the fictional Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show.
During the real-life Norwich terrier breed judging on Tuesday, the bleachers in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center were packed and the crowd extended six people deep in all directions. Several fans were there to pay their respects.
“We loved Catherine O’Hara — we loved the movie ‘Best in Show,’ and this was her dog,” said Tara Scrittore, 49, a kindergarten teacher from Sussex County, N.J. “We’re kind of honoring her memory by coming to this particular best in breed.”
She was attending the dog show with her husband for the first time. (Their 14-year-old rescue, who she said was “probably” a lab mix, was holding down the fort at home.)
Although the movie was a satire, it wasn’t that far-off, she added. “We all know those people that have such passion for one, singular thing. I think it’s great to highlight that.”
Many dog owners and handlers agree that it verges on documentary. “The first time I watched it, I was highly insulted,” said David Fitzpatrick, this year’s best in show judge. “I was like, ‘This is just awful, these people making fun of us.’ Then I watched it again and I started thinking, ‘Oh my God, they really have some of us pegged.’”
On Tuesday, the audience in the Javits Convention Center whooped when a squat, caramel-colored Norwich terrier named Q was announced as best of breed. His handler, Jacob Waters, was 21 years old — born after the movie was released — and most certainly did not have two left feet. (Cookie’s husband, played by Ms. O’Hara’s longtime comedy partner Eugene Levy, was afflicted with a metaphorical malady made eerily literal.)
“Norwiches are popular,” Mr. Waters said, taking in the packed stands. “They’re like a cute terrier — feisty but cute — and I think that draws a lot of people in.”
On Tuesday night, fans applauded as a video tribute to Ms. O’Hara played on the Jumbotron at Madison Square Garden. (“A true legend, timeless talent and icon,” read a card on the screen.) It showed Cookie Fleck flirting her way through a mixer for dog handlers and covering her eyes, sick with nerves, as her terrier, Winky, competed for best in show.
In the movie, Winky wins, and the Flecks celebrate by recording an album of terrier-themed anthems.
“God loves a terrier,” Ms. Scrittore said.
Sarah Lyall contributed reporting.
Callie Holtermann reports on style and pop culture for The Times.
The post Catherine O’Hara, Star of ‘Best in Show,’ Honored in Westminster Tribute appeared first on New York Times.
