Entertainment

'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton suspended amid investigation

Sony Pictures Television is recasting the announcer role while conducting an internal inquiry into unspecified allegations.

Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 23:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Sony Pictures Television has suspended Jim Thornton, the announcer for 'Wheel of Fortune' since 2011, amid an internal inquiry.
The syndicated game show is currently seeking an interim replacement for the announcer role during the investigation.
Sony has not detailed the nature of the allegations, though external reporting indicates the inquiry involves an incident on a commercial flight earlier this year.

Sony Pictures Television announced the suspension of 'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton following unspecified allegations.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The production company stated it will recast Thornton's announcer position while conducting a formal investigation.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Thornton has served as the primary voice and announcer for 'Wheel of Fortune' since 2011.[The Hollywood Reporter]
TMZ reported that the inquiry concerns an event that took place aboard a commercial flight earlier in the year.[The Hollywood Reporter]

The specific allegations against Thornton, including details of the alleged commercial flight incident, have not been disclosed by Sony Pictures Television.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The identity of the interim replacement announcer and the expected duration of the investigation remain unannounced.[The Hollywood Reporter]