Josey Dorsey, Son of Late ‘Glee’ Star Naya Rivera, Set to Make Acting Debut

Six years after the tragic passing of his mother, Naya Rivera, 10-year-old Josey Dorsey is stepping into the spotlight to carry on her creative legacy. The young actor has officially landed his first film role, marking a significant milestone as he pursues a career in the industry where his mother became a household name.

A Family Affair on Screen

Josey, who is set to turn 11 on September 17, has been cast in the upcoming film The Burning Valley. In a touching parallel to his real-life journey, he will be appearing alongside his father, actor Ryan Dorsey. According to his IMDb page, Josey is credited in the role of “Boy,” while his father is listed as “Father.”

The project, which is currently filming on location in Pennsylvania’s Rust Belt, serves as the feature directorial debut for Evan Curry. Speaking with the local publication TribLive, Curry described the film as a “small, poetic project about deindustrialization,” focusing on the emotional resonance of a steelworker who finds himself adrift after his mill announces a permanent shutdown.

While this marks his first foray into feature film acting, it is not Josey’s first experience with the craft. He previously made his mark on the stage, appearing in a production of Seussical Jr. in West Virginia, where he currently resides with his father.

Honoring a Legacy

The news of Josey’s casting has naturally turned the public’s attention back to his mother, the late Naya Rivera, who rose to global stardom as Santana Lopez on the hit musical comedy-drama Glee.

Rivera tragically passed away on July 8, 2020, at the age of 33 following an accidental drowning at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. During the harrowing incident, investigators concluded that Rivera heroically managed to lift her then-four-year-old son back onto their rental boat after the two encountered trouble in the water. While Josey survived the ordeal, Rivera was unable to save herself. Following a massive five-day search and recovery operation, her body was recovered on July 13, 2020.

As Josey takes these first steps into the film industry, fans of the late actress have expressed heartwarming support for the young star, noting how much he reflects the talent and spirit of his mother. With his father by his side both on and off-screen, Josey’s acting debut in The Burning Valley is being viewed as a poignant new chapter for the family.