Renowned host of The National Dog Show, John O’Hurley, is not only a household name for millions of families on Thanksgiving Day, but he also cherishes his own family traditions during the holiday season. While many viewers have made watching the annual dog show a Thanksgiving tradition, O’Hurley shared with PEOPLE that his family has their own set of non-negotiable customs to mark the special day.
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O’Hurley, known for his role in Seinfeld, has been hosting The National Dog Show since 2002, captivating audiences every Thanksgiving Day. Despite being a part of families’ holiday routines across the nation, the actor revealed that his family has unique traditions of their own that go beyond the televised competition, which is actually filmed before Thanksgiving Day.
In an exclusive interview, O’Hurley, 71, disclosed, “I have spent every single Thanksgiving in New York City, and I go to a specific Italian restaurant. We have a wonderful – either traditional or Italian – Thanksgiving dinner.” For O’Hurley, Thanksgiving in the O’Hurley household is all about enjoying good food, good company, and, of course, the beloved furry companions.
One longstanding tradition in the O’Hurley family is attending the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before tuning in to The National Dog Show. O’Hurley shared, “We’re always at the beginning of the Macy’s parade. It’s been historically in our family and a tradition ever since my son was born. He’s turning 19 this year.” The parade holds a special place in their hearts, with his son growing up amidst the parade’s floats each year.
As the National Dog Show airs after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, O’Hurley’s teenage son has taken on a more active role in the show, conducting interviews with expert dog show analysts, handlers, and their talented pooches. O’Hurley expressed his gratitude for being a central figure in the show, calling it “an honor” to be part of a tradition that now spans 24 years and attracts millions of viewers each Thanksgiving.
O’Hurley’s deep affection for dogs is well-documented through his books that highlight the profound life lessons learned from these loyal companions. He emphasized the essential historical role that dogs have played in human survival, evolving from simple functionaries to becoming cherished service animals, military aids, and search and rescue heroes.
The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, showcases nearly 2,000 canines from almost 200 different breeds in an American Kennel Club (AKC)-accredited competition for Best in Show. Inspired by the movie “Best In Show,” the competition offers a humorous yet insightful look into the world of purebred dog shows. The event will be live-streamed on NBC from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET on November 27.
In conclusion, John O’Hurley not only brings joy and excitement to countless households through The National Dog Show but also holds dear his own family traditions and values on Thanksgiving Day. His passion for dogs and their remarkable contributions to human life shines through, making the National Dog Show a heartfelt celebration of these loyal companions.