Viewers of mega-hit game show “Wheel of Fortune” will be noticing some changes in future episodes, particularly when it comes to the show’s announcer.
On Tuesday, September 1, TMZ reported that the show is in the midst of finding a new announcer, due to an alleged incident involving longtime “Wheel” announcer Jim Thornton.
New Announcer Sought
As TMZ reports, Thornton has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television Studios, which produces “Wheel of Fortune.”
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton,” the studio said in a statement to the outlet.
“He has been suspended from ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” the brief statement concluded, with Sony Pictures Television Studios not offering any more information about the alleged incident or the investigation.
A Passenger Complaint
TMZ, however, did some digging, and learned that Thornton’s suspension follows an alleged incident that took place on a commercial flight back in May.
At the time, notes TMZ, “a passenger complained to a flight attendant about Thornton.” While the nature of that complaint currently remains unknown, it was serious enough to involve police.
“Sources with direct knowledge tell us the pilot called ahead to have law enforcement meet Thornton when they arrived at the gate,” TMZ continues.
“We’re told officers questioned Thornton — who was wearing a ‘Wheel’ jacket at the time — but he was eventually released,” the outlet adds.
A 15-Year ‘Wheel’ Veteran
American Airlines responded to TMZ with a statement confirming that something had taken place aboard one of its flights that involved Thornton.
However, the airline was also vague as to what exactly had occurred.
“On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” reads the statement from American Airlines.
As TMZ points out, Thornton has been with “Wheel of Fortune” since 2011.
He joined the show following the passing of Charlie O’Donnell, who had been the show’s announced from 1975 until 1980, and then from 1989 until 2010.
A Brief Stint As Host
For viewers of “Wheel of Fortune,” Thornton’s voice is heard regularly, but his face has rarely seen onscreen.
The rare exception, however, came in a 2023 episode when contestant Sarah Ward declared herself as a big fan of the announcer, and asked if she could meet him.
That led host Pat Sajak — in what may or may not have been a spur-of-the-moment stunt — to abruptly switch places with Thornton.
For the rest of the round, Thornton took on hosting duties, while Sajak served as “Wheel of Fortune” announcer; interestingly, video of that segment was removed from YouTube shortly after TMZ’s report was issued.
Per TMZ, Thornton is a veteran voiceover artist and announcer. In addition to “Wheel of Fortune,” he was also announcer — albeit not for long — for “The Price Is Right.” His voice as also heard on Joel McHale‘s E! series “The Soup,” Fox animated comedy “The Cleveland Show,” and Pixar’s animated hit “Monsters, Inc.” as an announcer on TV commercials.
TMZ reached out to representatives for Thornton, but have not received a response.
