Jay Brazeau, who is currently recovering from a minor stroke, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 Sam Payne Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a Union of B.C. Performers accumulative outstanding body of work in the industry.

The 2010 Sam Payne Award, which recognizes professional performers displaying humanity, artistic integrity and encouragement of new talent, will go to Vancouver acting coach and performer Linda Darlow.

Brazeau, who is expected to return to the role of Edna Turnblad in the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Hairspray soon, has been performing for the stage, television, and film since the 1970s. The recipient of seven Jessie Richardson Awards, a Pittsburg Press Critical Award, a 2007 Film Critics Award and Gemini Award Nomination, he is a member of the B.C. Hall of Fame.

Darlow moved to Vancouver from L.A. in 1986 and established a series of workshops and classes that included advanced audition and commercial techniques. In addition to running her popular courses, Darlow’s acting credits include DaVinci’s Inquest; MacGuyver; Neon Rider; Alienated; Cold Squad, Street Justice; and 21 Jump Street. She played the part of a rape relief councillor in The Accused and the lawyer in Immediate Family.

The Sam Payne Awards will be presented June 3 at the Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant.