Seen: Jack Nicholson, Arianna Huffington & More

Seen: Jack Nicholson, Arianna Huffington & More

Brown University's Commencement weekend always brings celebrities from far and wide to Providence, and this year was no different. Actor John Krasinski '01 (known for playing Jim on The Office) was spotted at the annual Campus Dance on Friday night. Ten honorary degrees were awarded to prominent writers, scientists, and more on Sunday. Included in that list were the commander of Apollo 15 David R. Scott, creator of Web site The Huffington Post Arianna Huffington, and Academy Award-winning actor John "Jack" Nicholson. Brown President Ruth Simmons called Nicholson, who showed up in a huge Escalade SUV, "the most skilled actor of our lifetime," and he said a few words about how honored he was to be there (also, his daughter is currently class of '12.5). The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Simmons had introduced Nicholson by saying, "Here's Johnny!"

President Simmons isn't the only one who gets to rub elbows with the rich and famous. Former Rhode Island Democratic congressman Patrick Kennedy and actor Martin Sheen were exchanging friendly greetings last Tuesday in Boston. They were attending a screening of the documentary film Halfway Home, which is about the problems facing traumatized soldiers when they try to reintegrate into society after returning from war. The

screening of the film was part of a conference, co-chaired by Kennedy, on neuroscience, brain research, and the treatment of neurological disorders. Sheen introduced the film, making sure to avoid any mention of the mental status of his son Charlie...

Providence-born celebrity chef Joan Nathan has been featured on Web site ShalomLife.com. The James Beard award-winner contributed an original recipe for tarte au citron as the dessert course for the site's "Perfect Meal," made up of dishes from five of the world's best Jewish chefs. Nathan has written ten cookbooks, made guest appearances on numerous TV shows (including The Today Show with East Providence native Meredith Vieira), and hosted her own cooking show on PBS. Her French-inspired recipe certainly sounds good, and I bet the lemony dessert would taste great with a big cup of Del's...

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Ronan MacManus, the brother of musician Elvis Costello, and Andy Nolan, writer and producer of the upcoming movie Clan London, were in Providence this week with their Irish folk rock band The BibleCode Sundays. In between patronizing downtown's best restaurants, they enjoyed Rachel Platten’s acoustic show at The Whiskey Republic on Tuesday and relaxed at the Biltmore Hotel. They then played a small show at The Whiskey Republic on Thursday, making sure to perform a cover of "Shipping Up to Boston," as Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys owns the venue. Maybe next time Elvis will stop by with them...

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Photos: Jack Nicholson/Mike Cohea/Brown University; John Krasinski/Kristin Dos Santos