Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television Studios amid an ongoing internal investigation, according to a report published by TMZ on September 1, 2026.
Sony Pictures Television Studios Issues Suspension and Recasting Decision
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton,” the studio stated. “He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.” The official statement from Sony did not disclose the specific nature of the allegations leveled against the voice actor.
Law Enforcement Involvement Following May Flight Incident
According to reporting by TMZ, the studio’s investigation stems from an incident involving a flight Jim Thornton took on May 14, 2026. A passenger onboard allegedly complained about Thornton to a flight attendant, prompting the aircraft’s pilot to arrange for law enforcement to meet the flight upon landing. American Airlines confirmed to TMZ that American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on May 14 following concerns reported by a customer onboard. Thornton, who was photographed on the flight wearing a Wheel of Fortune jacket, was questioned by officers at the gate before being released.
Jim Thornton Career and Wheel of Fortune Tenure
Jim Thornton has served as the official announcer of Wheel of Fortune since 2011, when he stepped into the role following the death of longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell in November 2010. Beyond his television game show work, Thornton has built an extensive career as a voice actor. His voice acting credits include high-profile feature films such as Monsters, Inc. and WALL-E, as well as television projects including The Cleveland Show and MTV’s Celebrity Death Match.