Marietta native Jeff Rose is on his way to Hollywood stardom. The Acworth resident, who landed major recurring roles on two hit shows on Lifetime Television, was recently selected as best actor at the 168 Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Best known for his recurring role in Lifetime's highest-rated drama, "Army Wives" as Major Bruce Ogden, Rose also returns to Lifetime Television for his second season in the hit drama, "Drop Dead Diva." Rose shares scenes this season on "Diva" with Chad Lowe, Veronica Cartwright and Ricki Lake. He will also take on Cybill Shepherd, who is making a highly publicized appearance as a world-renowned fashion designer.

Perhaps the most meaningful accomplishment in his career came in March when Rose won best actor at the 168 Film Festival for his role as an alcoholic father in "The Party." Chosen from 100 films, the picture won six of eight nominations, including best picture.

"It was just a big deal to be nominated. It was a really an incredible moment," said Rose. "Multiply that times millions when I actually won a few weeks after that, it was one of the greatest experiences of my career.

"Being recognized and appreciated by your peers and people in the industry is huge," he said.

Despite his rise to fame, the 1983 Marietta High School graduate did not set out to be an actor. "I kept fighting this fear of what I was supposed to do," said Rose, who intended on pursuing a career in baseball.

After a sports-related injury, Rose took an acting class in school and began honing his craft. "I got my big break at Theatre in the Square," he said. "I'm proud to be a part of that theater and that heritage."

It was in the middle of a production of Theatre in the Square's "Diary of Anne Frank," while Rose played Peter, that he experienced an epiphany. "Everything I learned clicked," he said. After the production, Rose hired an agent and immediately booked the first 15 things for which he auditioned.

"I didn't need any other confirmation after that," he said.

But Rose continued receiving confirmation after confirmation of his talent, landing roles in "The Heat of Night" and "I'll Fly Away." He eventually moved to Los Angeles at the urging of Kasey Rogers, who played Louise Tate on "Bewitched," after taking an acting class from her.

In 2001, the father of two children returned to Cobb County to care for his parents, Dorrie and Wayne Rose, but his 25-year career never slowed. Rose attributes his success to being patient and not jumping into too quickly.

"I just felt like God was telling me that this was part of my destiny, this was what I was supposed to do," Rose said.

To learn more about Rose, visit www.JeffRose.tv, www.imdb.me/jeffrose and www.168project.com/news/245.cfm.