Justina Machado’s career is heading south…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican actress has been cast in USA Network’s drama pilot Queen of The South, an English-language adaptation of Telemundo’s smash hit 2011 telenovela La Reina del Sur.

Based on the bestselling book by Arturo Perez-Reverte, Queen Of The South centers on Teresa Mendoza (portrayed by Alice Braga), who’s forced to go on the run when her drug-dealing boyfriend is unexpectedly murdered in Mexico. She seeks refuge in America where she teams with an unlikely figure from her past to bring down the leader of the very drug trafficking ring that has her on the run. In the process, she learns the tools of the trade and strategically positions herself to become the leader of the cartel.

Machado, best known for her role on HBO’s Six Feet Under, will play Brenda, Teresa’s (Braga) best friend, a woman who is bubbly and energetic despite her boyfriend’s involvement in the drug trade. She narrowly escapes with her life when her boyfriend gets targeted for crossing the boss.

Machado most recently had a series regular role on NBC’s Welcome to the Family. She also recently starred in The Purge sequel, Purge Anarchy.