Nicholson, Russell attend funeral, along with most of political establishment

By Globe Staff

Celtics legend Bill Russell and actor Jack Nicholson are among the more unexpected mourners who have arrived at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Mission Hill for Senator Edward M. Kennedy's funeral.

They are milling about before the start of the service with politicians, past and present, from across the spectrum: presidents, governors, senators, and countless members of Congress from both parties. Mayors from Chicago and New York City are there, as is most of President Obama's cabinet.

Kennedy's first wife, Joan, arrived with her children, including Congressman Patrick Kennedy of Rhose Island, who walked down the center of the church, hugging those who had come to honor his father.

President Obama has arrived, as have former presidents Carter, Clinton and George W. Bush; former Vice President Al Gore; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; and former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis, Jane Swift, and Mitt Romney.