The painting honours Ant Arnold who died in January and was known for his statue-style tribute act to Charlie Chaplain on Regent Road in Great Yarmouth, as well as in Norwich.
The 58-year-old had worked for almost 40 years performing as a range of other characters, including a robot.
The artwork features two images of the entertainer, one with and another without his distinctive grey make-up, and can be found on Albion Road, at the back of Martyn’s Walk Round Store.
The location is just 100 metres from the spot where Mr Arnold performed daily for locals and holidaymakers alike.
The mural was hand-painted by local artist Mendivan, who is part of the Reprezent Project.
Ruben Cruz, founder and CEO of the non-profit urban arts organisation, said: “Once the wall was offered to us as part of the project, we realised we needed to create something that connects both walls together.
“Being so close to the spot where Ant Arnold used to perform, we knew it was a sign that his mural belonged there.
“We’ve had so much positive love from the community, and it’s clear that Ant Arnold was deeply loved by both residents and holidaymakers,” Mr Cruz added.
Debbie Carter, company director of Martyn’s Walk Round Store, said: “I would just like to say how lovely it was watching the process as Mendivan created a wonderful piece of art for everyone to share.”
Clive Arnold, older brother of Mr Arnold, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the work Reprezent Project and Mendivan have produced. I know my brother Ant would have loved it.
“His life was dedicated to performing and bringing a little bit of sunshine to people’s lives.”
The artwork is the latest addition in the Reprezent’s Street Gallery Walls series, which has seen murals created across Norfolk.
‘Talent’
Mr Arnold was born in Essex and worked for almost 40 years performing a range of characters including a robot clad in plastic armour and a living Charlie Chaplin statue.
He moved to Yarmouth in 2019 and lived with epilepsy.
He was left with the condition after suffering a serious head injury when he was hit by a car at the age of 14.
His homage to Charlie Chaplin once even led to an appearance in a BBC drama about a serial killer.
In 2020, Mr Arnold told this newspaper he was “lucky to have [his] talent to fall back on” before adding: “The best way I can deal with it is to stay on a high all the time and keep smiling.”
He died at home on Albion Road on January 7.
A full inquest into his death is due to take place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on August 5.
