Andy Richter Takes On Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Debut

Lead: Comedian Andy Richter made his Dancing With the Stars Season 34 premiere debut on ABC Tuesday night, teaming with pro Emma Slater for a Cha Cha Cha that earned a 9/20 score.

Nut Graf: Best known as Conan O’Brien’s sidekick, Richter’s unexpected dance-floor turn showcased his willingness to embrace a new challenge and underscored DWTS’s appeal: seeing familiar faces pushed well outside their comfort zones.

Early Jitters and Motivation Richter admitted he’d long dodged dancing but was “unbothered” by looking foolish, noting that “the promise of a paycheck” spurred him to compete this season. Judge Bruno Tonioli quipped that while Richter captured the “spirit of the cha cha cha,” his timing still lagged behind.

Summer Soirée Confidence Ahead of the live show, Richter told TheWrap at ABC’s Summer Soirée that he spent the summer doing cardio and stretching-and discovered “apparently” he could handle the routines. “I’ve got to get the steps down, ’cause then I can slice the ham real thick,” he joked of mastering footwork.

Pro Perspective Emma Slater praised Richter’s progress, anticipating a “fun and unforgettable” season. She emphasized tailoring choreography to each celebrity’s strengths and noted Richter’s commitment to rehearsals set them apart from less diligent competitors.

What’s Next Richter and Slater will continue refining their routines as DWTS airs weekly eliminations. Fans can expect more candid humor and creative dance blends as the comedian navigates Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz and beyond.