Malcolm Hebden is a renowned English television and stage actor, best recognized for his iconic portrayal of Norris Cole in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street.
Born in Chester, Hebden's family relocated to Burnley, Lancashire, just three weeks after his birth. He attended West Gate High School and initially pursued a career as a window dresser in Burnley. However, his passion for the performing arts led him to involve himself in amateur dramatics groups, including The Highcliffe Players, where he collaborated with fellow actor Richard Moore.
At the age of 28, Hebden enrolled in the prestigious Rose Bruford Drama School in London, marking the beginning of his professional career in theatre.
Hebden made his debut in Coronation Street in 1974, playing the role of Carlos, Mavis Riley's Spanish boyfriend. Twenty years later, in 1994, he assumed the character of Norris Cole, a role he would initially hold until 1997, before reprising it in December 1999, a stint that has continued to the present day.
In addition to his work on Coronation Street, Hebden has appeared in various other projects, including the film Lost for Words (1999),starring Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite, where he played a shopkeeper.
Hebden shares a special on-screen partnership with Barbara Knox, who portrays Rita Sullivan, and the duo won the 'Best Onscreen Partnership' award at the British Soap Awards in May 2006. Moreover, Hebden received the 'Funniest Character' title at the 2001 and 2002 Inside Soap Awards. His impressive acting skills have also been showcased in the popular BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.
In April 2008, Hebden proposed an idea to Coronation Street producers, suggesting that Andrew Sachs should make a guest appearance in the show, playing Norris's brother. His suggestion was warmly received, and Sachs did indeed appear in the soap.
