‘Wheel of Fortune’ Reveals Who Will Replace Jim Thornton.
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Reveal Who They Want to Replace Jim Thornton.
Sony Pictures Inc.
After the shocking allegations against Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton came out, fans are already wondering who will replace him, and they have some suggestions.
Thornton was suspended from the game show on September 1 after an unknown incident on a plane occurred in May. Allegedly, law enforcement met Thornton at the gates when a passenger on board made a complaint to the pilot. He was questioned at the gate and was allowed to leave.
Sony Pictures Television told TMZ that they were “recently made aware of the allegations” and have been “conducting a thorough investigation.” Fans on Reddit who attended tapings shared that Thornton was at early tapings for the new season, but now the studio is reporting that they are finding a replacement. Season 44 is currently filming and is set to air on September 14.
Thornton joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011 after longtime announcer Charlie O’Donnell died. He also announces the primetime spinoff Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Here’s who fans have suggested should replace Thornton.
Some Reddit users suggested that Jeopardy! announcer Johnny Gilbert should take his job. Despite being 98 years old, Gilbert still records the announcements, and sometimes sings categories, from his home studio. With both shows being produced by Sony, Gilbert is a possibility.
“Does this mean Johnny Gilbert announces? Kidding aside, this is so disappointing,” one fan said.
“It would be kinda cool to hear Johnny bellowing ‘TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!,’ but I doubt they would want to pile more announcing work on him,” another said.
“Also would be plausible when with his old age and health, because he does not physically go into the studio. He has, like, one to two minutes of lines per episode. That’s 10 minutes per recording day. He can record Wheel in his off time,” a third added.
“He has a home studio he records from. Since it’s just the intro work, easy enough,” another suggested.
Other fans suggested Dee Bradley Baker (Announcer of Legends of the Hidden Temple), Burton Richardson (game show and television announcer), Vance DeGeneres (Ellen DeGeneres‘s older brother), Lex Lang (Voice actor and director), Steve Blum (Voice actor), and George Gray (current The Price Is Right announcer).
X users also weighed in on who they would like to see be the announcer. “I would appreciate it if Christopher Walken filled in,” one fan said. One fan said he could even be replaced by AI.
It is not clear if Thornton will return if the investigation is dropped. Who do you want to be the new announcer of Wheel of Fortune? Let us know in the comments.
Wheel of Fortune, Season 44, weekdays, starting September 14, check local listings
