Guillermo Rodriguez Trading Late Night Laughs for Ballroom Moves on Dancing with the Stars

Guillermo Rodriguez is about to swap his red carpet microphone for a sequined costume. The beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick has officially signed on to compete in Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, marking another major chapter in a career that’s already made him a late-night television fixture.

For years, Rodriguez has been the comedic backbone of Jimmy Kimmel’s show—the guy who asks celebrities the ridiculous questions, orchestrates hilarious street segments, and somehow manages to steal scenes from some of the biggest names in entertainment. His natural charm and sharp wit have earned him a devoted following that extends far beyond the late-night audience. Now he’s ready to prove he’s got more than just comedic timing up his sleeve. The competition kicks off this fall on ABC, which means Rodriguez will be juggling his hosting duties while learning the tango, foxtrot, and whatever other dances the judges throw his way.

This is hardly the first time late-night personalities have ventured into the Dancing with the Stars ballroom—it’s practically a rite of passage at this point. But Rodriguez brings something different: genuine likability. He’s not a household name in the traditional sense, but he’s someone millions of people have watched and laughed with on a weekly basis. That connection could translate into fan votes, or it could complicate things if the pressure of performing becomes overwhelming.

The full cast reveal is still to come, but we already know Rodriguez is joining reality TV stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller, along with Savannah Bananas player and social media star Jackson Olson. Season 35 follows a strong run for the franchise—Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball Trophy last season, setting a high bar for what’s possible when celebrity and dance collide.

The real question isn’t whether Rodriguez can dance. It’s whether his infectious personality and work ethic—the same qualities that’ve made him indispensable at Jimmy Kimmel Live!—will shine through when he’s out of his comfort zone on a dance floor. Either way, late night is about to get a lot quieter come fall.