Today)", "and the band played on", became Franklin's trademark. Health problems and death In the late 1960s, Franklin was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms of which he combated with cortisone so that he could continue performing. The constant use of cortisone left his immune system open to other infections and health problems; as a result Franklin developed diabetes in the early 1980s and later contracted necrotizing fasciitis. In 1978, he was shot in the hand and leg while trying to stop a man from stealing his car in Los Angeles. The incident prevented Franklin from participating in the Temptations' upcoming tour of Poland, which at the time was still behind the Iron Curtain. On February 15, 1995, after a series of seizures, Franklin fell into a coma and remained unconscious until his death on February 23, 1995. He is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), Los Angeles. Other work and honors In addition to singing, Franklin also worked as a voice actor. In 1984, he provided the voice for the character of "Wheels" in the animated series Pole Position. He also appeared in the movie Sky Bandits in 1986. In 1989, Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. On August 17, 2013, in Cleveland, Ohio, Melvin Franklin was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. On February 9, 2013, his wife received the lifetime achievement award on his behalf. In popular culture In 1998, NBC aired The Temptations, a four-hour television miniseries based upon an autobiographical book by Otis Williams. Franklin was portrayed by actor D. B. Woodside. References Further reading Melvin Franklin in-depth interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' October 1992 (reprinted February 2009) External links 1942 births 1995 deaths African-American male singers American basses American soul musicians American male voice actors American shooting survivors Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) Musicians from Detroit Musicians from Montgomery, Alabama The Temptations members 20th-century American male actors 20th-century American singers American male dancers Songwriters from Alabama Dancers from Alabama American rhythm and blues singers American soul singers Northwestern High School (Michigan) alumni African-American songwriters 20th-century American male singers