Ryan Dorsey’s Enduring Journey: Navigating Grief, Fatherhood, and Career After Naya Rivera’s Tragic Loss

Learn more about Ryan Dorsey, who shared a son, Josey, with the late Glee actress, as he navigates life after Rivera’s tragic death in 2020.

In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, actor Ryan Dorsey has emerged as a beacon of resilience, dedicating himself to raising his son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, following the untimely passing of Josey’s mother, Naya Rivera.

Actor Ryan Dorsey, known for his roles across various television series, garnered significant public attention through his relationship with the late Glee star Naya Rivera, to whom he was briefly married. Their bond deepened with the birth of their son, Josey. Dorsey’s name became a central focus of headlines again in 2020 when Rivera was reported missing after a boating trip on Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. The devastating news spread globally when only their then 4-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, was found alone on the boat, a scene that gripped the hearts of millions.

The initial period following Rivera’s disappearance was fraught with anxiety and speculation. Many unfairly pointed fingers, adding immense pressure to Dorsey during an already agonizing time. When it was later confirmed that Rivera had tragically died from an accidental drowning, the world mourned. For Dorsey and his surviving son, the grief was profound and personal. They were left to cope with an immense, sudden loss, forcing them to navigate a future forever changed by this devastating event.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE published on February 12, 2025, Dorsey openly shared the challenging reality of life after Naya. He revealed that the path has been anything but easy for him and Josey, who is now nine years old. Despite the deep sorrow and the daily struggles, they are actively working through their grief together. Dorsey highlighted the importance of open communication, explaining that they talk about the events surrounding Rivera’s death as part of their healing process. However, he admitted to his own ongoing battle, confessing that he still struggles profoundly with not being able to “really look at pictures of her,” a poignant testament to the depth of his loss.

This journey of resilience, fatherhood, and navigating a public spotlight while grieving has defined much of Ryan Dorsey’s recent life. His dedication to Josey and his commitment to processing their shared loss offer a powerful story of hope and enduring love. As Ryan continues to honor Naya’s memory and build a stable future for their son, his experiences shed light on the complex realities faced by those left behind after such a profound loss. Find out more about Dorsey’s life and career below.

1. Ryan Dorsey Is Also an Accomplished Actor

Born in the scenic city of Charleston, West Virginia, Ryan Dorsey discovered his passion for acting during his senior year of high school, a pivotal moment that set the course for his future career, according to his IMDB profile. Initially, he enrolled at Western Carolina University with ambitious plans to walk onto the football program while simultaneously immersing himself in theatre studies. However, the call of acting proved too strong to ignore. Dorsey ultimately made the brave decision to drop out and return home, only to soon pack his bags for the vibrant artistic hub of New York City. There, he was accepted into the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a crucial step that officially kicked off his burgeoning acting career shortly afterward.

Over the years, Dorsey has built a respectable filmography, showcasing his versatility in various roles. Fans of critically acclaimed series such as Justified will recognize him as the character Earl, while those who follow Ray Donovan know him for his portrayal of Dime Bag. The talented West Virginia native has also made notable appearances in a number of other popular television series, including the short-lived but memorable Pitch, the gritty western drama Yellowstone, the Marvel Comics adaptation Runaways, and the crime drama Stumptown. While Dorsey’s work is predominantly seen on the small screen, where he has carved out a niche for himself with compelling character performances, he has also ventured into film, appearing in a few shorts and the feature film, Khali the Killer. His consistent work in television has allowed him to develop a strong presence and reputation within the industry, solidifying his standing as a dedicated and capable performer.

2. He Was Married to Naya Rivera from 2014 to 2018

The relationship between Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey began long before their marriage. They initially became close friends after Dorsey relocated to the West Coast in 2010, fostering a deep connection that extended beyond platonic affection. They experienced a brief romantic fling during this period but maintained a strong friendship even as Rivera pursued a high-profile romantic relationship with rapper Big Sean. However, fate intervened when Big Sean and Rivera ended their engagement in 2014. It was in the wake of this breakup that the undeniable spark between Rivera and Dorsey rekindled, evolving into something far more profound than just friendship.

Their renewed romance moved quickly, culminating in a surprising and private ceremony. Rivera and Dorsey exchanged vows on July 19, 2014, in a secret wedding held in the picturesque setting of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This intimate celebration came after a remarkably brief, two-month engagement, underscoring the intensity and depth of their connection. The couple joyously welcomed their son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, into the world in 2015, marking another beautiful milestone in their journey together. Despite the eventual challenges in their relationship, the bond they shared and the family they created remained a central part of their lives, deeply rooted in their long-standing friendship.

3. Their Divorce Followed a Publicly Documented Dispute

The marriage between Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey faced significant challenges that unfortunately became public knowledge. On November 26, 2017, Rivera was arrested and subsequently charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. The incident reportedly occurred after she allegedly hit Dorsey while they were taking their son, Josey, for a walk, an event that drew considerable media attention and public scrutiny. Despite the legal proceedings, the domestic battery charge was ultimately dismissed in January 2018. This dismissal came about after Dorsey reportedly expressed his desire not to proceed with prosecuting her, indicating a complex personal situation and perhaps a shared intent to move forward, particularly for their son’s sake.

Following these events, Rivera filed for divorce in December 2017. The couple worked through their differences and officially finalized their split in June 2018. Throughout the divorce process, their primary focus remained on the well-being of their son. They amicably agreed upon joint custody of Josey, demonstrating a shared commitment to co-parenting effectively despite the dissolution of their marriage. This decision highlighted their maturity and dedication to providing a stable and loving environment for Josey, putting his needs above any personal animosity that may have arisen during their separation.

4. He Made a Life-Altering Move to West Virginia with His Son, Josey

After the profound loss of Naya, Ryan Dorsey took on the immense responsibility of raising their son, Josey, as a single parent. This challenging role prompted him to make a significant life decision in 2023: to move back to his home state of West Virginia. This move was driven by practical considerations aimed at providing a more stable and cost-effective environment for his son, while also adapting to the evolving landscape of his acting career.

In an interview with the same outlet, Dorsey candidly explained the financial realities that influenced his decision. “I’m a single parent, I’m the only one earning money for Josey,” he stated, dispelling common misconceptions about celebrity wealth. “Everyone thinks that if she was successful, and if I’m on TV, that you have a bunch of money, but no one really knows the financial situation. I didn’t leave L.A. because we were just sitting on a bunch of money.” This honest revelation underscored the economic pressures he faced, striving to secure Josey’s future while navigating the demanding and often unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.

He elaborated on the stark financial contrast between his former life in Los Angeles and his new life in West Virginia. “When we were living in L.A. for the two years after Naya’s death, I was auditioning in my garage, rent was $6,000 a month, and it’s like, I’m getting nothing for Josey’s future,” he added, painting a clear picture of the unsustainable lifestyle. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the entertainment industry, transitioning many auditions to remote, self-taped submissions. This change provided Dorsey with the flexibility he needed. “It didn’t make sense to stay because COVID changed our industry to where all my auditions were on tape, and I can audition in a garage anywhere. West Virginia is just a completely different place. There’s not much to do, but it feels safe and there’s no traffic.” The move offered not only financial relief but also a quieter, safer environment away from the constant hustle and bustle of Hollywood, allowing him to prioritize Josey’s upbringing and their emotional well-being.

The slower pace and lower cost of living in West Virginia have provided Dorsey and Josey a sanctuary where they can heal and grow without the intense pressures of city life. While it may lack the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, the security, peace, and absence of traffic have proven invaluable for their new chapter. This strategic move demonstrates Dorsey’s unwavering commitment to his son, making sacrifices and adapting his career to ensure Josey has the best possible foundation amidst their ongoing journey of grief and recovery.

5. He Maintains Strong, Enduring Bonds with Naya’s Family

Despite his relocation to West Virginia, Ryan Dorsey has made it a priority to maintain close ties with Naya Rivera’s family. He frequently returns to Los Angeles, not only for his ongoing work commitments but primarily to ensure that Josey remains connected to his maternal relatives. This dedication reflects a profound respect and love for Naya’s family, understanding the vital role they play in Josey’s life and his continued connection to his mother’s legacy.

Dorsey openly shared the strength of this bond, stating, “I love her family so much: her dad, her mom, her sister, her brother, we all get along so good and we’re all still close.” He emphasized how the shared tragedy has, in many ways, brought them even closer together. “We’re, obviously, even closer now, and we stay at grandma’s,” he added, highlighting the comfortable and familial environment Josey enjoys during these visits. This strong connection ensures that Josey is “really close to both sides of his family, and we make sure of that.” Ryan’s commitment to fostering these relationships is a testament to his loving nature and his unwavering desire to honor Naya’s memory by keeping her family an integral part of Josey’s life, providing a rich tapestry of support and heritage for their son.

Ryan Dorsey’s journey since Naya Rivera’s death is a powerful narrative of strength, adaptability, and boundless love for his son. From navigating immense public scrutiny and personal grief to making significant life changes for Josey’s well-being, Dorsey continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. His dedication to family, both his own and Naya’s, and his honest approach to the challenges of single fatherhood resonate deeply, painting a picture of a man committed to building a bright, stable future for his son while honoring the memory of the woman they both loved.