‘Wheel of Fortune’ Makes Another Casting Change After Jim Thornton’s Firing

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Exit, stage left. Wheel of Fortune is making another casting change after announcer Jim Thornton was fired earlier this year.

At the end of the October 23 episode, hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White stood on stage and did their outro as usual, except this time, they invited someone else on stage with them.

“A big moment right now for our stage manager. Jimmy McGuire, come on in here,” Seacrest said. McGuire was seen clutching his chest off to the side of the stage as he briskly walked next to the hosts. McGuire was seen wearing a jacket that said “40th Wheel Season.” The crowd gave him a big cheer.

“Many years of being on this show, and he is moving on. Congratulations!” Seacrest said. White gave McGuire a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“You’re the best!” McGuire told the hosts.

“You are!” White said back.

“So much fun to work with you,” Seacrest replied.

“It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for making us look so good, counting us down numerous times,” White said.

“How much more time do we have in the show?” Seacrest asked.

“We’re saying bye-bye as a matter of fact,” McGuire said. He gave a wave to the camera and then enveloped Seacrest in a big hug.

Aside from being the stage manager at Wheel of Fortune, McGuire also holds the role at Jeopardy!. Before getting into a higher position, he and Sarah Whitcomb-Foss were the original members of the Clue Crew on the game show. It is not clear if McGuire is leaving Jeopardy! as well.

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His decision to leave Wheel of Fortune may have stemmed from announcer Jim Thornton being fired from the show in September. Thornton was seen accessing a pedophilia website on a public plane. The announcer was turned in by his seatmate, who saw him on the website. He was suspended before being fired.

Thornton was scrapped from the episodes he had already filmed. When Season 44 kicked off, a different voice was heard announcing the hosts and prizes. Some thought it was McGuire while others thought it was AI. The new announcer has not been confirmed by the show.

“Didn’t know Jimmy was retiring. Best wishes to him in the future!” a Reddit user said.