Jim Thornton: Wheel of Fortune star's family, net worth and salary in focus after suspension over ‘plane incident’

Announcer Jim Thornton, 61, has been put on suspension by Sony Pictures Television following a reported incident on a commercial flight on May 14. The network has temporarily replaced him while they investigate the allegations. TMZ reports that Sony Pictures Television has confirmed the suspension, saying, "We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton.

He has been suspended from Wheel of Fortune and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation." This follows a complaint from another passenger on American Airlines Flight 1276, which was traveling from New York to Los Angeles. According to the airline, law enforcement was called upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport after the complaint.

The officers spoke with Thornton for a brief period at the arrival gate, determined there was no wrongdoing, and allowed him to leave without charges. Thornton's lawyer stated that his client did not engage in any illegal activity and was not arrested or charged with any crime. Thornton, who joined Wheel of Fortune in 2011 after the retirement of Charlie O'Donnell, has been a recognizable voice on the show for ten years alongside Pat Sajak and Ryan Seacrest.

He has also provided voice-over work for various animated films, TV shows, and advertisements. Thornton is a family man with a son named Sam and is actively involved in supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation due to his son's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2009. The family lives in Los Angeles and is currently renovating their historic Federal-era home near the Ohio River.

Thornton's net worth is estimated at $3 million, and he earns an annual salary of $400,000 for his role on Wheel of Fortune.