Announcer Suspension Investigation
Wheel of Fortune Suspends Announcer Jim Thornton Following Investigation Into Flight Incident
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Key Points
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There is a discrepancy on when Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune: Variety lists 2010, while KTLA notes he joined in 2011 after Charlie O'Donnell's death.
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On-flight incident details include the pilot reportedly calling ahead to have law enforcement meet Thornton at the gate; he was wearing a Wheel jacket and was questioned before being released.
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American Airlines confirmed that on May 14, Flight 1276 to Los Angeles International Airport was met by law enforcement upon arrival after concerns reported by a customer onboard.
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Thornton's broader Los Angeles broadcasting career includes a longtime role as an afternoon anchor on KNX 1070 Newsradio and traffic reporting on KCBS-TV, and he has earned an Edward R. Murrow Award, Golden Mike awards and an Emmy.
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In 2023, Thornton hosted a Wheel of Fortune segment when a contestant (Sarah Ward) wanted to meet him, with Pat Sajak serving as the announcer for that round.
Wheel of Fortune has suspended announcer Jim Thornton following an alleged incident on a commercial flight in May. Sony Pictures Television did not disclose details about the allegations, but Variety reported that the incident occurred aboard an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles. The show will recast the announcer position after more than a decade with Thornton in the role.
American Airlines confirmed that on May 14, Flight 1276 to Los Angeles International Airport was met by law enforcement after a customer raised concerns onboard. TMZ reported that the pilot called ahead to have law enforcement meet Thornton at the gate. Thornton was questioned and released, according to reports.
A Trusted Voice for Wheel of Fortune Since 2011
Jim Thornton became the announcer for Wheel of Fortune after longtime voice Charlie O'Donnell died. Variety notes he joined the show in 2010, though some sources cite 2011 as his start date. Over the past decade-plus, Thornton became synonymous with the game show, greeting contestants and announcing prize totals night after night.
Before Wheel of Fortune, Thornton built an extensive broadcasting career in Los Angeles. He worked as an announcer on The Price Is Right and The Soup, and provided voice work for Monsters, Inc. He also served as an afternoon anchor on KNX 1070 Newsradio and did traffic reporting on KCBS-TV. His accolades include a Murrow Award and multiple Golden Mikes.
May Flight Incident Triggers Investigation
The suspension stems from an unspecified incident on an American Airlines flight in May. TMZ reported that a passenger alerted a flight attendant to concerns about Thornton's behavior. The pilot then called ahead to have law enforcement meet the aircraft at the gate in Los Angeles.
American Airlines officially confirmed the May 14 incident without providing details. The airline stated that Flight 1276 to LAX was met by law enforcement following customer concerns raised onboard. Thornton was questioned by authorities before being released. Sony Pictures Television launched a thorough investigation into the allegations but has not released specifics.
Show Moving Forward With New Announcer
Variety reported that Sony Pictures Television will recast the announcer position. No timeline was given for finding a replacement or when the new announcer will debut. The suspension remains open-ended, with Sony not specifying when or if Thornton might return.
Thornton's departure marks a significant change for the long-running game show. In 2023, Pat Sajak temporarily stepped in as announcer during one round when a contestant expressed a wish to meet Thornton. That moment underscored his popularity with fans and his central role in the show's identity over the past 13 years.
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