Bradley Whitford is singing Mariska Hargitay's praises.

The West Wing alum, 63, is set to appear in Thursday night's episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as a man suffering from dementia while also under investigation for killing his wife. Titled "King of the Moon," the episode saw Hargitay pulling double-duty as both actor and director.

"Everybody loves Mariska," Whitford exclusively tells PEOPLE, "and for a very good reason.

She takes the work really seriously and just does not take herself seriously at all. I wish the fans of the show could see her working."

While there's no doubt the fans wish they could watch their favorite star work, too, Whitford provides a bit of insight into the environment Hargitay, 59, creates on set for all of those who can't experience it themselves.

"Mariska is notorious for her ability to make people feel welcome and create an atmosphere where everybody can do their best. I know a number of actors, including my wife [Amy Landecker], who did guest shots on that show," he notes. "Mariska would pull them aside. She's very loving, very supportive. She's notorious for that — and, unfortunately, unique in that."

"King of the Moon" is not the first time the actress has stepped behind the camera, either: Hargitay — who is the new face of a Stuart Weitzman x KidSuper shoe campaign — has directed seven previous episodes of the long-running series starting with season 15's "Criminal Stories" back in 2014.

But this week's episode marks the first time Hargitay — who affectionately hashtags her directing-related Instagram posts #CecilBHargitay in honor of famed director Cecil B.

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