Mr Arnold played Superintendent Barney Crozier in the 1980s BBC hit detective drama alongside longtime friend John Nettles.
Mr Nettles, who starred in the title role as Jim Bergerac, said: ‘It is a very sad time and I am still coming to terms with it.
‘He was one of my best friends and we had been friends for 40 years.’
Mr Arnold also appeared in Grange Hill in the 1970s and 80s and films such as North Sea Hijack, Remembrance, Haunters of the Deep, Speaking of the Devil and Red Rose.
But it was his role in the Jersey-set detective series for which Islanders will most remember him.
Mr Arnold chose to make the Island his home after starring in the show. In November he joined Mr Nettles at the Jersey Museum for a reunion of the extras who also appeared in the series. The event was held to launch Mr Arnold’s book, Anton Myst.
This weekend, it was announced that the actor passed away on 15 April at Lakeside Care Home in St Peter.
Brian Constantine, executive producer at Westward Studios, which is involved in a Bergerac revival, also paid tribute to Mr Arnold.
He said: ‘I did know Sean and my fondest memory of him was at an anniversary ball at the Weighbridge.
‘He had the ability in a room of 150 people to still remember everyone’s names. He had a brilliant mind.
‘He was also a very eccentric dresser and would always stand out.
‘I saw him at his book event and after that I was aware he was ill but the news still came as a shock.
‘It would have been wonderful to have worked with him on the new project, and I am sure he will be sadly missed by Islanders.’
