Wheel of Fortune Suspends Announcer Jim Thornton

Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended while Sony Pictures Television investigates allegations connected to an incident on a commercial flight. The studio is also recasting the announcer role during the review.

Sony confirmed the employment action in a statement carried by multiple entertainment outlets. The company said it had recently learned of allegations concerning Thornton but did not publicly describe them in detail. That distinction is important: the suspension and investigation are confirmed, while accounts of what happened aboard the plane remain allegations.

What has been confirmed

American Airlines said Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on May 14 because a customer had raised concerns onboard. Reports say Thornton was questioned at the gate and released. No public finding from Sony’s investigation was announced with the suspension.

The available statements do not establish wrongdoing, and Thornton’s response was not included in the reports reviewed for this article. Sony’s decision places him off the show while the company examines the matter and searches for someone to fill the announcing position.

A familiar voice leaves the game board, for now

Thornton has been part of Wheel of Fortune for more than a decade. He first appeared as a guest announcer in 2010 after the death of longtime voice Charlie O’Donnell, then took over the role regularly in 2011. He also announces Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

His tenure has spanned one of the program’s biggest transitions. Thornton worked alongside Pat Sajak until the host ended his four-decade run in 2024, and he remained with the show after Ryan Seacrest stepped into the hosting job.

Outside the game show, Thornton has accumulated voice credits in film and television, including Monsters, Inc., WALL-E and The Cleveland Show. For viewers, however, he is most closely associated with the daily introduction that opens one of television’s longest-running syndicated programs.

Sony has not provided a timetable for the investigation or identified a permanent replacement. Until it does, the show’s announcing booth becomes the latest part of Wheel of Fortune to enter a period of change.