Sony Pictures Television has terminated the employment of Jim Thornton, the long-time announcer for “Wheel of Fortune,” the studio announced following an investigation. The decision takes effect immediately, and Thornton will not be part of the show’s new season launching September 14. An interim announcer has already re-recorded all of Thornton’s previous work for the upcoming episodes, though the network has not yet named a permanent replacement.
The dismissal comes shortly after reports surfaced of alleged inappropriate online activity. According to accounts from earlier this week, a fellow airline passenger observed Thornton viewing what was described as a problematic chatroom on his laptop during a flight in May. Upon landing at LAX, authorities questioned Thornton before allowing him to depart. The network suspended Thornton on Tuesday while launching its investigation.
Thornton’s legal representative claimed the announcer had been engaged in suicide prevention support work within online communities following a personal loss two years prior. Neither Thornton nor his attorney have publicly addressed the specific allegations in detail.
Thornton’s tenure as “Wheel of Fortune” announcer began in 2010. Over his career, the veteran broadcaster has worked across numerous television programs and earned multiple industry accolades, including Emmy and Golden Mike awards.
Originally reported by Variety →
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