The anticipation for Dancing With The Stars season 35 is reaching a fever pitch as the show reveals its newest celebrity contestant: Guillermo Rodriguez. Known for his comedic flair as Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Guillermo’s journey to fame began uniquely as a parking lot security guard at the Hollywood Boulevard Masonic Temple studio. Now, he is set to bring his charm and humor to the dance floor.
During the June 17 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, host Jimmy Kimmel joyfully announced Guillermo’s upcoming participation in the popular dance competition. As Guillermo took to the stage in a lively dance costume, Jimmy quipped that the 55-year-old would be the show’s first-ever parking lot security guard contestant. Guillermo expressed his excitement, saying he was thrilled and ready to take on the new challenge.
The news quickly spread across social media, and the Dancing With The Stars community responded with enthusiasm. On Instagram, professional dancer Emma Slater shared her delight with several exuberant comments. She exclaimed, “WAIT THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!” and humorously asked, “Did the people’s prince just enter the chat??” Reflecting on her successful season 34 experience with comedian Andy Richter, who finished in eighth place, Emma added, “Well, if he ain’t my partner, he’s my biggest competition because I KNOW what these funny men can do.”
Dancing With The Stars Cast Members React To Guillermo’s Casting
In the comments section of a Dancing With The Stars Instagram post, several cast members from the show expressed their excitement and enthusiasm about Guillermo’s casting. Professional dancer Emma Slater was especially thrilled about it, writing several comments. She said, “WAIT THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!,” and “Did the people’s prince just enter the chat??” Emma also made a reference to her incredible season 34 run with underdog contestant comedian Andy Richter, during which they placed 8th. She wrote, “Well, If he ain’t my partner he’s my biggest competition because I KNOW what these funny men can do.”
Other Dancing With The Stars pros were also psyched about Guillermo being on the show, including Pasha Pashkov who wrote, “Can you pleeaaasseee be my partner Guillermo?!?” Ezra Sosa had the same idea, saying, “i call dibs.” Brandon Armstrong gushed, “I’m a fangirl,” while Daniella Karagach raved, “OH MY GOD.” Jenna Johnson said, “OMG!!!!! Incredible. SO EXCITED,” while Sasha Farber declared, “YESSSSSSS THIS IS EPICCCCC.” Rylee Arnold chimed in with, “YESSSSSSSS.”
In addition, Dancing With The Stars host Julianne Hough extended a warm welcome to Guillermo, writing, “Can’t WAIT to have you on the show Guillermo.” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “welcome to the ballroom!”
What To Expect From Dancing With The Stars Season 35
Dancing With The Stars hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are expected to return to the ballroom for season 35, along with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. In addition to Guillermo, three other contestants who’ll be competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy have been announced: reality TV personality Maura Higgins, Summer House star Ciara Miller, and Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson. The full cast, along with their professional dance partners, will be announced on Good Morning America on September 2.
Guillermo is certain to be a wonderful addition to Dancing With The Stars season 35. He’s already a fan favorite, and it will be so much fun to see him learn and grow during the competition. He’s so loved by everyone involved with the show as well. Dancing With The Stars season 34 marked a renaissance for the long-running series, and season 35 already appears to be just as spectacular.
Dancing With The Stars season 35 premieres in the fall of 2026 on ABC.
Source: Dancing With The Stars/Instagram