Wheel of Fortune is often not the place for scandal, but that has since changed. The show’s announcer, Jim Thornton, has been suspended amid allegations of an airline incident. So, what exactly happened, and who is filling in for him? Keep reading for more details.
Jim Thornton Suspended Indefinitely
Wheel of Fortune is all about having fun, spinning wheels, winning money, and turning letters. Moreover, contestants solve puzzles and have a great time, but unfortunately, scandal has just plagued the hit game show ahead of the Season 44 premiere. The show’s announcer, Jim Thornton, has been suspended. Now, it is unclear how this will impact pre-taped episodes in the can for the new season. However, no one initially knew why he was removed from announcing. It was all very tight-lipped, but now it appears it had to do with an incident on an airline.
Allegedly, Jim was flying back in May when a passenger supposedly complained about him. That was when the pilot of the plane ensured that law enforcement was there to greet Jim when they landed. Although he was questioned about whatever the passenger’s issue was, he was eventually released. Nothing seemed to come of the incident until now, and he has, as aforementioned, been suspended. Per American Airlines:
“On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard.”
Wheel of Fortune viewers may be confused, as they likely heard his voice after news of his suspension broke. Again, the show is not new just yet, so all of these episodes are pre-recorded. Jim Thornton’s lawyer has stated that he:
“did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime. When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred and told my client he was free to go.”
As of now, the game show is looking to recast the role in his absence.
Jim Thornton Joined In 2011
In 2011, Jim Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune and has been a staple ever since. Viewers have come to know and love his voice. However, this could all change, as it is unclear how long he will be gone. Some have expressed that they do not think anyone could replace him after all of this time. Others think that Jeopardy!’s Johnny Gilbert should pull double duty, which is not a bad idea:
- Get Johnny Gilbert since he announces on Wheel’s sister show Jeopardy.
- Man, Jim is my all-time fave Wheel announcer. He’s the great announcer after the death of my fave Wheel announcer Charlie O’Donnell.
- man he’s been the announcer ever since Charlie o Donnell passed away
One person noted that if Jim Thornton does not return, that it could be a sign for Vanna White to finally retire. That is highly unlikely, as she loved her time on the show.
Are you a Wheel of Fortune fan, and do you appreciate Jim’s voice? Let us know in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
