Sony Pictures Television suspends "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton amid allegations
Jim Thornton, the longtime announcer for "Wheel of Fortune" and its celebrity spin-off, has been suspended while the network investigates unspecified allegations.
Sony Pictures Television announced that Jim Thornton, the announcer for "Wheel of Fortune" and "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," has been suspended pending a thorough investigation into unspecified allegations. The network said it is recasting the role while the inquiry proceeds.
Thornton, who began announcing for the syndicated game show in 2010 after serving as a guest announcer following Charlie O'Donnell’s death, officially took over the position in 2011. He also previously auditioned for the announcer role on "The Price is Right" and added the celebrity spin-off to his duties in 2021. Both versions of "Wheel" are hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.
"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," a Sony Pictures Television spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Thornton’s broadcasting career dates back to 1983, including work as a news anchor for KNX News 1070 AM. The story was initially reported by TMZ before the network’s statement.