The ballroom is securing its perimeter. Guillermo Rodriguez, the longtime sidekick and comedic foil on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has officially joined the celebrity cast for Season 35 of Dancing With The Stars. The announcement brings a familiar face from late-night television into the high-stakes arena of competitive ballroom dance.

Rodriguez’s casting was confirmed by Deadline, marking one of the first major reveals for the upcoming season. The move represents a strategic crossover for ABC, leveraging the established fanbase of its flagship late-night program to draw viewers to the reality competition.

From the Backlot to the Ballroom

For over two decades, Rodriguez has been a fixture on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Starting as a parking lot security guard, he evolved into Kimmel’s right-hand man, known for his deadpan delivery and willingness to participate in elaborate comedic bits. His transition from the Hollywood Boulevard studio to the Dancing With The Stars stage presents a new challenge.

The transition requires a shift from scripted comedy to physical endurance. Dancing With The Stars is notorious for its grueling rehearsal schedules and demanding choreography. Rodriguez will need to adapt his comedic timing to the rhythm of the cha-cha, the waltz, and the tango.

A Developing Cast Roster

This is a developing story. As of this reporting, ABC has not yet announced Rodriguez’s professional dance partner. The network typically reveals the full celebrity lineup and their professional pairings in the weeks leading up to the season premiere.

The inclusion of Rodriguez suggests a season that may lean heavily into recognizable personalities with established comedic chops. His presence guarantees a specific demographic draw, viewers who tune in nightly to see his interactions with Kimmel and various A-list celebrities.

The ballroom floor awaits. The rehearsal studios are booking up. The sequin budget is set.

Guillermo.