JokersUpdates.com: Game Shows - Longtime 'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton is suspended

Longtime 'Wheel of Fortune' announcer suspended, will be recast
AI Generated by USA TODAY

Jim Thornton, the announcer for Wheel of Fortune and its celebrity spinoff, has been suspended following unspecified allegations, and Sony Pictures Television is recasting the role while investigating.

Key points:

*Jim Thornton was suspended from Wheel of Fortune on September 1, 2026 after the network became aware of unspecified allegations.
*Sony Pictures Television issued a statement saying the allegations are being investigated and the announcer role is being recast.
*TMZ was the first outlet to report Thornton's suspension.
*Thornton has announced Wheel of Fortune since 2010 and officially took the role in 2011 after guest announcing following Charlie O'Donnell's death.
*He also announced the spinoff Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, added to his résumé in 2021.

Jim Thornton, the announcer for "Wheel of Fortune," has been suspended from the show following unspecified allegations.

In a Sept. 1 statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television said, "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."

TMZ was first to report the news.

Thornton, who also announces for "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," has been with the syndicated game show since 2010, when he was one of the guest announcers who tried out for the role following the death of Charlie O'Donnell, who had been at the mic for more than 25 years.….

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2026/09/01/wheel-of-fortune-announcer-jim-thornton-suspended/91569680007/

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