Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Wheel of Fortune Announcer Jim Thornton Suspended Amid Investigation
Jim Thornton is the announcer people hear on Wheel of Fortune.
Sony Pictures Television has temporarily stopped him from doing that job.
The decision followed an alleged incident on an American Airlines flight.
The exact details of the incident have not been made public.
American Airlines said police met the plane when it arrived in Los Angeles.
The studio says it is investigating the allegations.
Another announcer will temporarily replace Thornton.
Thornton has worked on more than 2,200 episodes of the show.
Sony Pictures Television suspended Jim Thornton from Wheel of Fortune and temporarily recast his announcing role.
The decision followed allegations involving an American Airlines flight on May 14, though specific details remain unclear.
American Airlines said law enforcement met Flight 1276 when it arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.
Thornton has announced the syndicated Wheel of Fortune since 2011 and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune since 2021.
Thornton has worked on more than 2,200 episodes and previously anchored afternoons at KNX 1070.
- Who
- Sony Pictures Television suspended Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton after allegations involving him.
- What
- Thornton was suspended and his announcing role was temporarily recast while the studio investigates.
- When
- The alleged flight incident occurred on May 14; the suspension was reported afterward, with no specific date given.
- Where
- The incident involved American Airlines Flight 1276, which arrived at Los Angeles International Airport.
- Why
- Sony Pictures Television said it learned of allegations concerning Thornton and is conducting a thorough investigation.
- Announcer
- Jim Thornton
- Program
- Wheel of Fortune
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Television
- Flight
- American Airlines Flight 1276
- Incident date
- May 14
- Airport response
- Law enforcement met the flight upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.
- Thornton's tenure
- He has announced the syndicated show since 2011 and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune since 2021.