Guillermo Rodriguez<\/a><\/strong>, best known as Jimmy Kimmel\u2019s beloved sidekick on \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live,\u201d is stepping into a brand-new spotlight as he joins the cast of \u201cDancing with the Stars<\/a><\/strong>\u201d for the reality competition show\u2019s upcoming 35th season. The announcement was made on the late-night talk show, with Jimmy Kimmel proudly revealing the exciting news.<\/p>\n Jimmy Kimmel made an important announcement on the June 17 episode of \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live<\/a>!\u201d The host said that he was authorized by Walt Disney Company and ABC to reveal the name of a celebrity contestant who would be competing on \u201cDancing with the Stars\u201d Season 35.<\/p>\n \u201cThis person is someone you know, someone you love, someone we know quite well. Do you know who it is, Guillermo?\u201d Kimmel asked his sidekick. Guillermo, donning his usual suit and tie, answered, \u201cNo, but I couldn\u2019t wait to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n Kimmel proceeded to tease the audience with a few more words, complete with a drum roll, before the curtains opened, revealing Guillermo wearing a turquoise satin salsa attire, complete with arm ruffles. Guillermo showed a preview of his dance moves as he approached Kimmel.<\/p>\n Guillermo told Kimmel how excited he was to join the competition show, adding that he was ready for the challenge. \u201cDon\u2019t lose a single adorable pound, okay. Do you promise?\u201d the host told Guillermo, to which he replied, \u201cI promise. If I lose five pounds, I\u2019m gonna gain 10 pounds. Back right away.\u201d<\/p>\n Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges on \u201cDancing with the Stars,\u201d left a comment, writing, \u201cBrilliant! Can\u2019t wait to see you in the ballroom!\u201d Former \u201cDWTS\u201d judge and returning co-host, Julianne Hough, also shared her enthusiasm, saying, \u201cBeyond excited to be in the ballroom together \u2013 when in doubt, shake it out Guillermo,\u201d followed by a fire emoji.<\/p>\n Users expressed excitement on social media, with one writing, \u201cThis will be my first time ever to watch DWTS. Doing it for you, G!\u201d \u201cWe\u2019re taking Guillermo to the finals,\u201d another added.<\/p>\n Guillermo has been on \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d since 2003 and is often referred to as the show\u2019s security guard. However, not many know that the TV personality was, indeed, a security guard at the set\u2019s parking lot.<\/p>\n Guillermo recounted how he came to be Kimmel\u2019s sidekick in a conversation with PEOPLE<\/a> in 2021. \u201cWhen I got this job, I was in the parking lot and I was sleeping in Dicky\u2019s car, the announcer. He opened the door, he goes, \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019 I go, \u2018I\u2019m trying to sleep \u2014 I\u2019m so sorry\u2019,\u201d Guillermo said, referring to the show\u2019s former announcer, Dicky Barrett.<\/p>\n The security guard juggled a few jobs at that time, and he found a place to rest in Barrett\u2019s unlocked vehicle. Instead of reprimanding him, Kimmel decided to put him in front of the camera. He appeared as Michael Jackson\u2019s fictional Spanish cook in a comedic bit, and later appeared on the recurring comedy segment \u201cSecurity Night Live\u201d with Kimmel\u2019s uncle, Frank Potenza.<\/p>\n Xavier Collin\/Image Press Agency \/ MEGA<\/p>\n Throughout the years, Guillermo appeared as various fictional characters in comedy sketches for \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d He later became Kimmel\u2019s right-hand man and has become a staple of the show, occasionally reacting to jokes and chiming in during interviews.<\/p>\n Kimmel and Guillermo have built a genuine friendship beyond the cameras. Kimmel even named<\/a> his youngest son, William John, nicknamed Billy, after Guillermo, whose name is the Spanish equivalent of William. In return, Kimmel is also the godfather of Guillermo\u2019s only son, Benji, further reflecting the close bond the two have shared over the years.<\/p>\n Guillermo is the fourth contestant announced to join \u201cDWTS\u201d Season 35. Other celebrities competing in the upcoming season include \u201cSummer House\u201d star Ciara Miller, \u201cThe Traitors\u201d contestant Maura Higgins, and Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson.<\/p>\n The full list of celebrity contestants and professional dancers will be officially announced on \u201cGood Morning America\u201d on September 2. \u201cDancing with the Stars\u201d Season 35 is scheduled to premiere in the fall.<\/p>\n The Guillermo Rodriguez Trades Late Night For \u2018DWTS\u2019 Ballroom<\/a> first appeared on The Blast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFans Share Their Excitement Over The News<\/h2>\n
Guillermo Went From Security Guard To Sidekick<\/h2>\n
Guillermo Rodriguez And Jimmy Kimmel Forged A Friendship<\/h2>\n
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Other \u2018DWTS\u2019 Contestants Named<\/h2>\n