A representative for Sony Pictures Television said Thornton’s employment has been “terminated”
Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been fired.
The news was confirmed by The Los Angeles Times on Friday. A representative for Sony Pictures Television, which produces the game show, said that Thornton’s “employment with Wheel of Fortune has been terminated, effective immediately,” following an investigation.
Earlier this week, the longtime host was suspended following then-unspecified allegations concerning Thornton.
Thornton’s ousting follows a TMZ report over an alleged incident aboard a commercial flight on American Airlines in May. “On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following concerns reported by a customer onboard,” American Airlines said in a statement to People. The airline did not provide any additional details about the alleged incident or identify Thornton.
A representative for Thornton, Sony Pictures Television, or American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Thornton has served as the announcer for Wheel of Fortune since the 2010 death of Charlie O’Donnell, who previously held the post. He was also the afternoon anchor on news radio KNX 1070 in Los Angeles. Thornton has also appeared on other shows including The Price Is Right, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and The Soup. He is also known for his voiceover work in movies and television, and has featured on The Cleveland Show and Monsters, Inc.
