Posted on 09/02/2026 11:43:57 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
Longtime “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the show, and his role will be recast, studio officials said.
Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed Tuesday in a statement to NBC News that Thornton will not be involved with the show as the studio investigates allegations against him.
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation,” the studio said.
It did not provide additional details about the allegations or investigation.
Thornton did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
TMZ was first to report Thornton’s suspension. The outlet also reported that the allegations involve an incident between Thornton and an American Airlines passenger on a flight in May.
In a statement to NBC News, American Airlines did not mention Thornton by name. The airline did confirm there was an incident on a flight in May.
“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 statement said.
Thornton, 66, has been the voice of “Wheel of Fortune” since 2010, the year original announcer Charlie O’Donnell died at 78.
Thornton was initially a guest announcer, according to IMDb, and officially joined the show as the main announcer for its 29th season in 2011. He has announced 2,980 episodes and has served as an announcer for “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” since 2021.
His voice acting credits include roles in “The Cleveland Show,” “Celebrity Deathmatch” and “Monsters, Inc.” as well.
Thornton has spent most of his time on “Wheel of Fortune” behind the cameras, with Pat Sajak and Vanna White serving as the hosts until Sajak’s departure in June 2024. Ryan Seacrest began hosting the game show with White in September 2024.
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Nowadays it is alcohol and sedatives/anti-anxiety drugs
Maybe tried to “show” her who he is by whipping it out?
He took it out!
He took it out?
Yes siree Bob...
I recall reading Randy West’s book about the great Johnny Olson (TPIR, Match Game, What’s My Line, etc, etc) and how Johnny commuted from his home in West Virginia to Los Angeles and as a result got to know a good few flight attendants, lol.
Well, Ryan today’s puzzle category is the penalty for being drunk and disorderly on an airplane.
Some folks are very easily ‘offended’ nowadays, and think that gives them the power and the right to try getting somebody fired. They see it all the time on YouTube.
It could be that, or it could be Jim barely did anything at all, but ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Inc would not mind getting rid of this expensive employee anyway (BEFORE he is entitled to full retirement benefits) and replacing him with a college kid. Maybe not even replacing him at all. Just use recorded announcements.
What's next, get rid of Vanna? She's a national treasure.
When in doubt I whip it out got me a rock and roll band it’s a free for all. Ted. Nugent
Somehow this does not change my life.
The producers of that show probably want to have Vanna leave so they can replace her with a fresh face and figure, but they suspect Vanna will quickly contact her lawyers and try to sue them for Age Discrimination. Vanna still thinks the show cannot go on w/o her.
IMO-—SHE IS THE CLASSIEST WOMAN ON TV
Vanna is also an AWESOME Crocheter and has written many pattern books. She has her own line of yarn as well. :)
If so, you’ve got some serious problems, LOL!
Thornton is just trying to fill the void left by the bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines.
C’mon, Man!
I rarely watch it (usually when Jeopardy should be on but the schedule got delayed) but it seems like she does less and less. She used to have to turn letters, then just touch the letter video screens. What’s next, sit back in a recliner and flip the letters with an IR remote? Flip the letters in a Teams meeting at home?
Vanna will be replaced by AI
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