If you watched the April 26th episode of Wheel of Fortune you may have wondered, “Where did Pat Sajak go?”
When it came time for the bonus round, the longtime host was nowhere to be found. Instead, in his place was someone who is not seen very often, though his voice is instantly recognizable.
Here’s a hint: “…And now, here are the stars of America’s Game, Pat Sajak & Vanna White!”
That’s right, announcer Jim Thornton swapped places with Sajak during the bonus round and for the sweetest reason.
During the beginning of the show while Sajak introduced the contestants, one of them, Sarah, explained her love for Thornton.
“I love Jim Thornton so much,” she said. “And how could someone not? His voice? So soothing and energizing. He’s hilarious, and he just is such a good person. And when he’s not on the show, when I don’t see his face, I just hear his voice, I worry about him. So, I’m so glad he’s here.”
The game show went on without a hitch, and when it was time for the bonus round it was Sarah who advanced.
Wheel of Fortune went to commercial and when it returned Sarah stood next to Thornton ready to spin the bonus wheel, and Sajak was nowhere in sight.
Later viewers were offered a quick sneak peek at Sajak reading from Thornton’s script.
By the end of the episode he had returned to his hosting duties for the close of the show.
“Did I miss anything?” he asked Vanna White.
Unfortunately Sarah didn’t win in the bonus round, or maybe she did? She did get to meet the one and only Jim Thornton!
“I had so much fun. We got to do it together,” she said before shaking his hand on television.
What a fun surprise for a super fan!
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