Full Breakdown
Guillermo Rodriguez Joins Dancing With the Stars Season 35
6/19/2026, 6:34:23 AM
Core Event
On June 17, 2026, Jimmy Kimmel announced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that his sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, 55, will compete in “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35. Rodriguez is the fourth celebrity confirmed, joining Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller and Jackson Olson. The full cast and professional dance partners will be revealed on September 2 on “Good Morning America.” Season 35 will air on ABC and Disney+ with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Background & Context
Rodriguez began at the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” studio in 2003 as a parking-lot security guard. Producers later featured him in on-air segments, and he has remained a regular on-camera personality for more than 23 years, appearing in red-carpet interviews, comedy sketches and recurring bits such as “Guillermo’s Hollywood Roundup.”
Timeline & What’s Next
April 22, 2026: Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller announced at Hulu’s Get Real House event.
May 2026: Jackson Olson announced at network upfronts.
June 17, 2026: Rodriguez announced on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
September 2, 2026: Full celebrity list and pro partners will be disclosed.
The spinoff “The Next Pro,” hosted by Robert Irwin, premieres July 13, 2026. Season 35 will launch in the fall on ABC and Disney+.
Key Figures & Groups
Key participants include Guillermo Rodriguez; fellow contestants Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson; hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough; judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough; and producer BBC Studios. The “Next Pro” series adds host Robert Irwin.
Data & Statistics
Season 34 attracted 72 million votes in its finale and nearly half a billion votes overall, delivering the series’ strongest finale in a decade and ranking No. 1 among adults 18-49 for a second year. The Nielsen rating placed the series as the top-ranked entertainment program among adults 18-49 for the second consecutive year, confirming its continued relevance in a competitive reality-TV market.
Why It Matters / Impact
Rodriguez’s entry broadens DWTS’s celebrity mix to include a well-known late-night personality, potentially attracting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” viewers and reinforcing the show’s strategy of diversifying contestants to sustain its recent ratings surge.
Official Statements & Responses
Kimmel introduced Rodriguez as “someone you know, someone you love” and noted he would be “the first-ever parking lot security guard to dance with the stars.” Rodriguez replied that he was “excited” and “very happy.” Julianne Hough later wrote, “Beyond excited to be in the ballroom together – when in doubt, shake it out Guillermo ?.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Social media responses on Instagram highlighted excitement, with fans posting messages such as “I’m definitely watching DWTS this season! Voting for Guillermo ?” and praising the surprise casting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources do not specify a premiere date, Rodriguez’s professional dance partner, or the complete celebrity roster beyond the four announced names.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism was identified in the available reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have a major announcement to make.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host
- “I’m excited, I’m very happy.” — Guillermo Rodriguez, Contestant
- “Don't lose a single adorable pound, okay? Do you promise?” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host
- “If I lose five pounds, I'm gonna gain 10 pounds right away.” — Guillermo Rodriguez, Contestant
