Wheel of Fortune Announcer Jim Thornton Suspended Amid Probe (2026-09-03)

Jim Thornton, the announcer for the popular game show Wheel of Fortune, has been suspended while Sony Pictures Television conducts an investigation. The 61-year-old has denied any misconduct through his legal representative.

His attorney stated that Thornton did not engage in illegal activity, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. The statement addressed an incident on a commercial flight in May, noting that law enforcement spoke with Thornton briefly after landing and determined no wrongdoing had occurred, allowing him to leave.

Sony Pictures Television confirmed the suspension, which took effect on September 1, and said it is temporarily recasting the role during its review. The studio did not disclose the nature of the allegations.

The matter traces back to May 14, when Thornton was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 1276. A fellow traveler raised concerns with the crew, prompting law enforcement to meet the aircraft upon its arrival at Los Angeles International Airport. The airline confirmed the response but did not identify Thornton or specify the complaint.

Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011, succeeding Charlie O'Donnell, who had served as announcer in two stints before his death in 2010. Beyond the game show, Thornton's voice work includes The Price Is Right, The Soup, The Cleveland Show, and Monsters, Inc.