Who is Josey Dorsey? The Young Star Making Waves in The Burning Valley!

Josey Dorsey, the son of the late Glee star Naya Rivera, is set to make his feature film debut in The Burning Valley. At just 10 years old, he will act alongside his father, Ryan Dorsey. The film, directed by Evan Curry, explores themes of deindustrialization through the eyes of a steelworker. This marks a significant moment for Josey, who has previously performed in theater. As he begins his acting career, the legacy of his mother continues to resonate in the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 12:32 IST

Josey Dorsey Steps into the Spotlight

Josey Dorsey, the son of the late Naya Rivera, known for her role in Glee, is poised to make his debut in feature films. The young actor, who will turn 11 on September 17, has landed a role in the upcoming film The Burning Valley. This project represents a significant milestone for Dorsey, as he will share the screen with his father, Ryan Dorsey.

As per his IMDb profile, Josey will portray a character named Boy, while Ryan is credited as Father. Currently, the film is in production, with shooting taking place in the Rust Belt area of Pennsylvania.

Insights into The Burning Valley

Details Regarding The Burning Valley

The Burning Valley marks the directorial debut of Evan Curry, who also penned the screenplay. In a recent discussion with a local news outlet, Curry shared that the film offers a poetic look at deindustrialization. The story follows a steelworker navigating his town after the abrupt closure of the local mill.

Curry described the film as a small-scale project aimed at conveying the emotional realities of economic changes in the area. While this is Josey’s first venture into feature film acting, he is not new to performing; he previously starred in a local production of Seussical Jr. in West Virginia, where he lives with his father.

A Legacy Remembered

Background and Context

Josey’s casting comes six years after the tragic passing of his mother, Naya Rivera. Rivera, who was beloved for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on Glee, died on July 8, 2020, at the age of 33 due to an accidental drowning at Lake Piru in California. Reports indicated that she had successfully assisted her son back onto their boat after they swam, but she was unable to save herself.

After a thorough search, her body was recovered on July 13, 2020. As Josey embarks on his acting journey, both the industry and fans continue to honor the memory of his mother.