Josey Dorsey Follows Mom Naya's Acting Path

Josey Hollis Dorsey, the 10-year-old son of the late Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey, has embarked on his acting career with his debut in the feature film 'The Burning Valley.' He is set to share the screen with his father, Ryan Dorsey, who plays "Father" while Josey is cast as "Son." The film's narrative, conceptualized by writer-director Evan Coury, delves into the experiences of deindustrialization within a Rust Belt community.

Coury, a first-time director, described 'The Burning Valley' as a poetic exploration of regional history through an individual's journey. Filming commenced in August in Pennsylvania, in areas such as Brackenridge and Arnold. This movie role marks Josey's significant entry into film, following his earlier stage debut in a 2024 production of Seussical Jr. in West Virginia. The father-son duo had relocated to West Virginia from Los Angeles in 2023.

News of Josey's casting arrives six years after the tragic drowning of his mother, Naya Rivera, in July 2020. Rivera and Ryan Dorsey were married from July 2014 to 2016. Ryan Dorsey has shared that while life presents challenges, Josey remains a joyful child, providing him with a strong motivation to continue.