Celebrating 25 Years of Best In Show
The beloved comedy Best In Show marked its 25th anniversary with a special gathering in New York City on June 12. The event drew the film’s cast, including Jane Lynch, who shared her initial fears about taking on the role of Christy Cummings.
In a conversation at the anniversary screening, Lynch revealed, "It was my first Christopher Guest film, and I had loved Waiting for Guffman. I was excited but also nervous." She admitted, "I didn’t know how well I could improvise, so I prepared a lot for the character."
In good company, Lynch found support in fellow actor Jennifer Coolidge, who portrayed Sheri Ann Cabot. Coolidge shared that she was feeling just as nervous, creating a bond between the two. "We were scared together, which helped," Lynch noted. The two spent time getting to know each other during filming in Vancouver, which eased their nerves.
During a panel discussion moderated by Stephen Colbert, Lynch spoke with Christopher Guest, Michael Higgins, and Michael Hitchcock about the film’s legacy. She mentioned, "Michael Higgins once said it was a preposterous fantasy that we got to do this, and I had been quoting him ever since."
Reflecting on their preparation, Lynch acknowledged the unique filming style of Christopher Guest. "We talked a lot about our characters and our relationship, but nothing prepares you for when Chris says, ‘Action,’ and the camera starts rolling," she explained. Guest commented on the unconventional approach: "Typically, in a regular film, you rehearse and do many takes. Here, it’s about trusting the actors and shooting right away."
As Best In Show continues to be cherished by fans, this anniversary celebration stands as a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and the collaboration among its remarkable cast.
