Guillermo Rodriguez, the sidekick and announcer on Jimmy Kimmel Live, will compete on Dancing with the Stars Season 35. Disney announced the casting addition Wednesday night, expanding a roster that already features reality television personalities Maura Higgins (The Traitors, Love Island), Ciara Miller (Summer House), and professional baseball player Jackson Olson from the Savannah Bananas.
Rodriguez brings name recognition from his decade-plus tenure on Kimmel's late-night show, where he has become known for his comedic bits and rapport with the host. His addition continues the show's pattern of casting entertainment industry figures alongside reality television stars and athletes. The ABC competition series, which returns for its thirty-fifth season this fall, relies on a mix of recognizable faces across multiple entertainment verticals to maintain viewer interest.
The casting strategy reflects Dancing with the Stars' ongoing effort to balance celebrity draw with fresh talent. Rodriguez's late-night credentials and established fan base position him differently from the reality television contingent already announced. His participation also represents the show's continued appeal to personalities in the talk-show ecosystem, following years of casting hosts, comedians, and entertainment industry insiders.
Season 35 maintains the show's proven formula: pairing celebrities from disparate fields, teaching them choreography, and measuring their progression through viewer voting and professional judging. Rodriguez will join Higgins, Miller, and Olson on the dance floor, competing alongside a full cast yet to be announced. The addition rounds out a slate designed to attract both devoted competition viewers and casual audiences drawn to specific celebrities.