Jim Thornton is no longer the voice of “Wheel of Fortune” after more than a decade with the long-running game show. Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed that Jim, 61, was terminated after an investigation into allegations that surfaced earlier this week. “Following a thorough investigation, Jim Thornton’s employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately,” a Sony spokesperson told People on Friday, September 4.
Why Was Jim Thornton Fired From ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
Thornton’s firing comes just days after the show first suspended him, and one day after TMZ published photos that appeared to show him in that same chat room while flying American Airlines from Charlotte to Los Angeles in May.
The decision comes three days after the studio suspended the longtime announcer while it reviewed the allegations. Sony first announced Jim’s suspension Tuesday, September 1, saying it had recently learned of allegations involving the announcer. “We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton,” Sony told People at the time.
“He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
The studio did not disclose the nature of the allegations in either statement.
TMZ reported Tuesday that the matter stemmed from a complaint made by a passenger aboard a commercial flight in May.
American Airlines confirmed to People that law enforcement met Flight 1276 after it landed at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, May 14.
“On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” the airline said.
American Airlines did not identify Jim or provide details about what prompted the complaint.
What Has Jim Thornton Said About the Allegations?
Jim has denied wrongdoing through his attorney. In a statement to TMZ following his suspension, his lawyer said Jim “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.”
The attorney continued, “When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.”
People said it contacted Jim’s representative for comment following Sony’s decision.
How Long Was Jim Thornton on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?
Jim became the permanent announcer for “Wheel of Fortune” in 2011, succeeding Charlie O’Donnell, who died in 2010. Charlie had a long history with the game show, initially serving as its announcer from 1975 to 1980. He returned in 1989 and remained in the role until his death.
Before and during his “Wheel of Fortune” tenure, Jim built an extensive career in television and voice acting. His credits include announcing work on “The Price Is Right” and “The Soup.”
He also provided voice work for “The Cleveland Show” and the animated film “Monsters, Inc.” Sony had already begun recasting the announcer role while Jim was suspended.
The studio has not yet announced who will permanently replace him.
In an enlightened society such as ours, an accusation is the same as proof.