Josey Dorsey steps onto set, 6 years after his late mother’s death

**Josey Dorsey, Naya Rivera’s Son,

Makes Acting Debut in “The Burning Valley”**

Josey Dorsey, 11, will appear for the first time on screen in Evan Coury's upcoming film *The Burning Valley* as a character simply billed as “Boy.” The production began shooting in Pennsylvania earlier this week, with the cast set to move to the Allegheny River area next month.

The story follows a steelworker whose job is lost when his mill shuts down. Coury explained that the film “sets him on a journey as he wanders through his Rust Belt town” and aims to capture “the emotional truth of deindustrialization.”

Josey’s debut comes six years after his mother, *Glee* star Naya Rivera, drowned on July 8, 2020 while on a boat with him at Lake Piru in California. At the time, Josey was four and was found asleep on the vessel by another boater. Rivera’s body was recovered five days later.

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## Background & Context

The project is a collaboration between actor‑director Evan Coury and the Dorsey family. Production began in Pennsylvania, and filming will continue near the Allegheny River as the story unfolds in a Rust Belt setting.

Coury told an interviewer that the film’s focus is on the lived experience of industrial decline, aiming to portray it “in an emotionally truthful way.”

Josey’s role is listed simply as “Boy,” while his father, Ryan Dorsey, appears as “Father.” Their on‑screen partnership marks a significant personal milestone for the family, who have turned their grief into creative expression.

The film’s timeline places key scenes at the western end of Pennsylvania, with principal photography slated to wrap in the coming weeks. The crew plans to return to the Allegheny River region next month for additional shooting, underscoring the story’s commitment to authenticity.

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## What People Are Saying

In a July interview, Ryan reflected on his son’s memory of the tragic day. He recalled that Rivera was “not wearing a life jacket and used her strength to get him back on the vessel before disappearing into the water.” The interview also highlighted Ryan’s emotional connection to Josey’s piano lessons.

Ryan told another interviewer that he has encouraged Josey to keep his mother’s memory alive through music, saying, “He’s been taking piano lessons for a little over a year now, and he’s getting pretty good. It’s the one thing I connected with his mom.” He added a future‑looking promise to the boy about perseverance and gratitude.

The Dorseys also maintain a garden called “Mommy’s Garden” in their West Virginia home, featuring roses and flowers that honor Rivera. The space serves as a quiet tribute to her legacy.

Coury’s remarks about the film’s subject matter were consistent with his earlier statements, emphasizing the emotional truth of deindustrialization and the personal journeys that arise when communities face economic hardship.

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## What Happens Next

Filming for *The Burning Valley* is underway in Pennsylvania, with the crew preparing to head toward the Allegheny River region next month. No official release date has been announced at this time. The production team is focused on completing principal photography before moving to the next phase of post‑production.

Ryan and Josey remain involved in the project’s progression, with Ryan continuing to guide his son through the early stages of acting and music training. Their shared commitment to honoring Rivera’s memory underscores the personal significance of this cinematic venture.

As production advances, fans and observers will watch how Josey navigates his debut role alongside his father, reflecting a new chapter in a family that has turned personal tragedy into artistic pursuit.