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'Wheel of Fortune' Announcer Jim Thornton Fired by Sony
Variety • • general
Key Points:
- Jim Thornton has been fired from his role as announcer on "Wheel of Fortune" following a thorough investigation by Sony Pictures TV, with the termination effective immediately.
- Thornton will not appear in the upcoming season starting September 14, and an interim announcer has revoiced his parts; no permanent replacement has been announced yet.
- The firing followed allegations published by TMZ showing Thornton allegedly viewing disturbing chat room content related to minors on a flight, leading to police questioning upon landing.
- Thornton's attorney claimed he was involved in suicide-prevention advocacy and visiting chat rooms to support individuals with suicidal ideation, but neither Thornton nor his lawyer have publicly addressed the allegations in detail.
- Thornton had been the "Wheel of Fortune" announcer since 2010 and has an extensive broadcasting career, including work on "The Price Is Right," "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," and various radio and TV roles in Los Angeles.
