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Collage of a woman and child in a plaid outfit, and a child with cake on his face holding a framed photo.
TV & Film

Naya Rivera’s Son Josey Is Stepping Into the Spotlight With First Acting Role

The 11-year-old son of the late 'Glee' actress has officially been cast in the upcoming feature film 'The Burning Valley.'

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

The entertainment world is watching a heartwarming new chapter unfold as Josey, the 11-year-old son of the late *Glee* actress Naya Rivera, lands his very first professional acting role. The young talent is set to make his official screen debut in an upcoming feature film, marking a poignant milestone for the star kid as he steps directly into his mother's artistic footsteps. According to fresh reports, the pre-teen has joined the cast of *The Burning Valley*, a brand-new movie project directed by Evan Coury. While specific character details remain closely guarded under wraps, the casting news represents a massive leap forward for Josey's fledgling career in Hollywood.

What movie is Josey starring in?

Collage of a woman and child in a plaid outfit, and a child with cake on his face holding a framed photo.
Collage of a woman and child in a plaid outfit, and a child with cake on his face holding a framed photo.

Josey's debut project, *The Burning Valley*, is helmed by filmmaker Evan Coury. The feature film will serve as the world's formal introduction to Josey's on-screen talent. Rising stars kicking off their careers with feature roles often draw significant industry buzz, and Josey's debut is already generating huge interest across pop culture circles. For fans of his late mother, seeing her child pursue the performing arts brings a wave of emotional nostalgia. Rivera, who achieved global stardom playing Santana Lopez on Fox's hit musical drama *Glee*, was widely celebrated for her fierce comedic timing, powerhouse vocals, and screen presence.

Josey and Ryan Dorsey in beaded necklaces with an adult man in glasses and a backwards cap, both waving their hands.
The 11-year-old and his father, Ryan Dorsey, will star in the forthcoming Evan Coury-directed film “The Burning Valley.” (Seen here: The father-son duo.)

How old is Naya Rivera's son Josey?

Josey Dorsey, wearing a crown with his name and cake on his face, holds a framed photo of himself as a baby also wearing a crown.
On his IMDb page, Josey’s role was listed as “boy.”

Now 11 years old, Josey was only a young child when his mother tragically died six years ago during a boating trip at Lake Piru in California. In the years following the heartbreaking loss, his family has kept his life relatively private while nurturing his creative interests away from the harsh glare of constant public scrutiny. Stepping in front of the camera for a major motion picture marks a bold new era for the pre-teen. Friends and followers of Rivera's work have long sent support to the family, and this fresh acting gig highlights how her lasting legacy lives on through her son. As production moves forward on *The Burning Valley*, observers will undoubtedly be cheering on Josey's grand Hollywood arrival. Though he is just beginning his journey, his leap into cinema proves that extraordinary performing instincts truly run deep in the family bloodline.

The photos · 6

Collage of a woman and child in a plaid outfit, and a child with cake on his face holding a framed photo.
The 11-year-old and his father, Ryan Dorsey, will star in the forthcoming Evan Coury-directed film “The Burning Valley.” (Seen here: The father-son duo.)
On his IMDb page, Josey’s role was listed as “boy.”
Additional information about his role is unknown.
Filming for the movie started earlier this week.
Rivera (seen here with her son) was best known for her role in “Glee.”

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People also ask

What is Naya Rivera's son's name?
Naya Rivera's son is named Josey.
What movie is Naya Rivera's son starring in?
Josey is making his film acting debut in 'The Burning Valley,' directed by Evan Coury.