Jim Thornton has been suspended as the announcer of 'Game of Fortune.' Notably, the television personality has been married to Sue since 1991.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleWheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the long-running game show as the production looks into a matter related to him that was brought to their attention. A brief statement confirming the decision was shared this week, without detailing the reason. Thornton has been the voice of the syndicated series since 2011, after the passing of Charlie O'Donnell. He has also built a decades-long career in radio, including as an anchor for KNX News in Los Angeles.
Amid the update related to his suspension, Jim’s personal life has also come into the headlines. For the unversed, he is the father of a son named Sam, whom he shares with his wife, Sue.
Outside of television, Thornton is known for his family life. For the unversed, he has been married to a woman named Sue. Although Jim is a popular face on television, Sue has preferred to stay away from the spotlight for all these years. The duo tied the knot in 1991.
In a Facebook anniversary message to his wife Sue, he described how she had changed his world by agreeing to marry him. He opened up about how quickly the years had passed since their marriage, and expressed his enduring love for her. The Facebook post included a photo from the wedding day, and the caption reads:
“Happy Anniversary to my beautiful Sue, who changed my world by saying, ‘I do.’ The years have flown by, but oh what a run. Since that sunny Spring day in 1991. I love you always.”
He and Sue also have a son, Sam, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2009, and the family has since been involved in supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As per Jim’s ABC biography, the family has been living in Los Angeles for a long time. Jim and Sue also share an interest in restoring old properties.
Jim and Sue are currently focused on renovating a historic Federal-style brick home belonging to Thornton's family on the Ohio River. Notably, it is a building that once operated as the local post office and is thought to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. Jim and Sue are now hoping to preserve the home for future generations.
On September 1, 2026, Sony Pictures Television confirmed that longtime announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from both Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
The statement from the production company said they had recently learned of allegations against him, that he has been suspended, and that they are recasting while conducting a thorough investigation. The nature of the allegations was not specified. The news of Jim’s suspension was first revealed by TMZ.
The incident behind the suspension reportedly happened a few months ago. On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 landed at LAX and was met by law enforcement after a passenger reported concerns about Thornton to the flight crew mid-flight. The pilot then radioed ahead to have police meet the plane. Thornton was questioned at the gate and released. He was reportedly wearing his Wheel of Fortune tour jacket at the time.
American Airlines confirmed the same, saying that the authorities arrived after a customer onboard reported concerns, but did not name Thornton. No arrest or charges have been publicly announced. Meanwhile, Wheel of Fortune, now hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, is proceeding with a replacement announcer during the investigation.
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