The internet has a way of remembering things, and often, it remembers them just a little bit wrong. Or maybe, you just missed an episode! If you've been wondering, "Did Andy Richter ever compete on Dancing With The Stars?" and perhaps even imagining the quick-witted comedian tripping the light fantastic, you’re not just dreaming. Yes, Andy Richter absolutely competed on Dancing With the Stars, and his journey on the ballroom floor was certainly memorable, culminating in his elimination during a particularly star-studded 20th-anniversary special.
Richter, a beloved figure known for his comedic timing and sharp intellect, stepped out from behind the late-night desk and into the dazzling, demanding world of competitive ballroom dance. His participation in Season 34 captivated audiences, proving that even the most seasoned entertainers can find new challenges and profound personal growth under the glare of the Mirrorball Trophy. While his tenure was ultimately cut short, his impact and the context of his elimination make for a compelling chapter in DWTS history.
At a Glance: Andy Richter's DWTS Journey
- Who: Andy Richter, partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater.
- What: Competed in Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars.
- When: Eliminated on November 11th, during the show's 20th-anniversary special.
- Where: The iconic Dancing With the Stars ballroom.
- Outcome: Richter and Slater were the eighth couple eliminated, placing at the bottom of the leaderboard after combining judges' scores and audience votes.
- Richter's Takeaway: He stated the show profoundly "changed his life."
- The Episode: A landmark 20th-anniversary celebration featuring returning hosts, judges, and original professional dancers.
The Big Reveal: Richter's DWTS Journey Comes to a Close
Andy Richter, at 59 years old, took a significant leap of faith by joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 34. For weeks, viewers watched as the familiar face from late-night television committed himself to the rigorous training and public performances that define the show. His partnership with the celebrated professional dancer Emma Slater was one of the season's most intriguing pairings, blending Richter's comedic timing with Slater's elegant choreography.
However, the ballroom competition is famously unforgiving, requiring not just technical skill but also a strong audience connection for survival. On November 11th, during a monumental episode celebrating the show's two-decade legacy, Richter and Slater found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard. Despite his valiant efforts and the undeniable entertainment value he brought to the show, Richter was eliminated, becoming the eighth couple to exit Season 34. The elimination was a stark reminder of the show's competitive nature, even amidst heartfelt celebrations. You can still look back at his performances and see why people rallied behind Andy Richter on DWTS.
A Star's Dance Card: Andy Richter on Season 34
Andy Richter's decision to join Dancing With the Stars wasn't just about learning new steps; it was about embracing a new challenge in the public eye. Season 34 proved to be an exceptionally vibrant and competitive season, made even more special by the show's 20th-anniversary milestone. This particular season brought a unique blend of nostalgia and fresh talent to the ballroom, setting a high bar for all contestants, including Richter.
The season kicked off with immense fanfare, drawing record audience votes and featuring an array of beloved celebrities. Richter found himself among a diverse cast, from athletes to social media sensations, all vying for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. His participation underscored the show's enduring appeal: its ability to transform public figures and reveal new facets of their personalities.
Stepping onto the Stage: Richter and Emma Slater's Partnership
A crucial element of any Dancing With the Stars journey is the celebrity-professional partnership. Andy Richter was paired with Emma Slater, a fan-favorite pro known for her creative choreography and ability to connect with her celebrity partners. Slater, who herself has an impressive track record on the show, took on the challenge of guiding Richter through the intricacies of ballroom dance.
Their partnership was characterized by genuine warmth and a shared sense of humor, which viewers enjoyed week after week. Slater’s patience and Richter’s dedication created a dynamic that resonated, even if the scores didn't always reflect the profound personal growth happening behind the scenes. For fans who follow Emma Slater's impressive career highlights, Richter's season added another unique chapter to her story. It highlighted the essential role of the professional dancer in building confidence and skills, often from the ground up, in their celebrity counterparts.
The Fateful Night: Scores, Relays, and Elimination
The November 11th episode was no ordinary night in the ballroom; it was a grand celebration of two decades of Dancing With the Stars. The energy was palpable, with original host Tom Bergeron returning as a guest judge, joining the regular panel of Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough. The show opened with a spectacular routine choreographed by Derek Hough, featuring six original professional dancers from Season 1, including Alec Mazo and Edyta Śliwińska, setting an incredibly high bar for the evening.
The competition itself was split into two demanding rounds:
- New Style Round: Each couple performed a fresh dance style. This round saw some truly breathtaking performances and high scores. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson earned the season's first perfect score (40/40) for a Foxtrot dedicated to his late father, with Prince William even FaceTiming Irwin during rehearsal—a memorable moment! Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach also achieved a perfect 40 for their Argentine Tango, hailed by Carrie Ann Inaba as her new favorite. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, along with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, also hit the 40/40 mark, showcasing the intense competition.
- Relay Dance Round: Celebrities partnered with former Mirrorball winners for a head-to-head relay. This round added an extra layer of pressure and excitement. Three teams earned two bonus points each for their victories:
- Jordan Chiles and Apolo Anton Ohno won their Quickstep relay against Elaine Hendrix and Rashad Jennings.
- Dylan Efron and Rumer Willis triumphed in their Viennese Waltz relay against Andy Richter and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
- Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez won their Jive relay against Alix Earle and Joey Graziadei.
After combining the judges' scores from both rounds with the crucial audience votes, the picture became clear. While Dylan Efron, Robert Irwin, and Whitney Leavitt tied at the top of the leaderboard, Andy Richter and Emma Slater found themselves at the bottom. The cumulative weight of the scores and votes led to their elimination, making them the eighth couple to depart Season 34. This highly emotional night was a testament to how the intricate DWTS scoring system works and the powerful influence of the audience vote.
Beyond the Ballroom: Richter's Reflection
For Andy Richter, his time on Dancing With the Stars was far more than a dance competition. Upon his elimination, the usually self-deprecating comedian offered a heartfelt reflection, stating unequivocally that the show "changed his life." This sentiment, echoed by many past contestants, speaks to the unique transformative power of DWTS.
Stepping outside one's comfort zone, engaging in intense physical and emotional challenges, and performing live for millions can profoundly impact an individual. For Richter, it was an opportunity to push personal boundaries, learn new skills, and connect with a dedicated community of dancers and fans. His sincere gratitude highlighted that the journey itself, rather than just the Mirrorball, is often the ultimate reward for celebrities who dare to dance.
The Legacy of Season 34: A Memorable Milestone
Season 34, particularly the 20th-anniversary episode, carved out a special place in Dancing With the Stars history. Beyond Andy Richter's elimination, the episode was packed with emotional tributes and star power.
The return of original host Tom Bergeron, who left the show in 2019 after Season 28, was a highlight for long-time fans. Bergeron, credited showrunner Conrad Green for convincing him to make his guest judging appearance, bringing a familiar warmth and wit back to the panel. His presence underscored the show's deep roots and the family it has built over two decades.
The opening routine by Derek Hough, featuring six original professional dancers from Season 1 (Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Edyta Śliwińska), was a powerful nostalgic moment. Furthermore, an emotional number choreographed and performed by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold honored lost performers, reminding everyone of the show's rich history and the lives it has touched.
The season also saw other veteran pros, Kym Johnson-Herjavec and Cheryl Burke (a two-time Mirrorball winner), serving as guest judges in earlier episodes, adding further depth and expertise to the panel. The sheer star power and emotional resonance of this anniversary season made it one of the most memorable in the show's history, showcasing not just incredible dance but also the enduring camaraderie and passion that define Dancing With the Stars. It's a season that will be discussed alongside the most memorable moments from the 20th anniversary celebration for years to come.
Who Else Danced On? A Quick Look at the Remaining Competitors
While Andy Richter's journey concluded, the show, of course, went on. The competition remained fierce, with several couples showing incredible potential heading into the semi-finals. As of the elimination of Richter and Emma Slater, the couples proceeding to the semi-finals on November 18th were:
- Alix Earle
- Elaine Hendrix
- Jordan Chiles
- Dylan Efron
- Whitney Leavitt
- Robert Irwin
These remaining couples, having consistently impressed judges and audiences, continued their quest for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, each with their own unique story and style, further contributing to other celebrity journeys on Dancing With the Stars.
Your Burning Questions About Andy Richter & DWTS, Answered
Let's clarify some of the most common inquiries about Andy Richter's time on Dancing With the Stars.
Did Andy Richter make it to the semi-finals of DWTS?
No, Andy Richter did not make it to the semi-finals of Dancing With the Stars Season 34. He and his professional partner, Emma Slater, were eliminated during the 20th-anniversary special on November 11th, becoming the eighth couple to leave the competition.
Who was Andy Richter's professional partner on Dancing With the Stars?
Andy Richter's professional partner on Dancing With the Stars Season 34 was Emma Slater. Slater is a seasoned pro who has competed on many seasons of the show and is known for her creative choreography and ability to bring out the best in her celebrity partners.
What season of DWTS was Andy Richter on?
Andy Richter competed on Dancing With the Stars Season 34. This was a particularly special season, as it marked the show's 20th anniversary and featured several memorable moments, including the return of original host Tom Bergeron.
How old was Andy Richter when he competed on DWTS?
Andy Richter was 59 years old when he competed on Dancing With the Stars Season 34. His participation at that age is a testament to his willingness to take on new challenges and embrace intense physical training for the show.
The Enduring Appeal of Dancing With the Stars
Andy Richter's journey on Dancing With the Stars, though not ending with a Mirrorball Trophy, perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of the show. It's a place where celebrities step out of their established roles, embrace vulnerability, and often discover hidden talents and deep personal resilience. For Richter, it was a "life-changing" experience, a testament to the growth that happens far beyond the scores.
Whether you're a long-time fan or just catching up on specific celebrity appearances, Richter's participation reminds us that Dancing With the Stars is more than just a dance competition; it's a testament to human courage, artistic expression, and the joy of shared experience. His story, like so many others on the show, contributes to the rich tapestry of a beloved cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.