Amy Longsdorf

The topic is supposed to be “Bedazzled.” But it’s another “B” word that is on Elizabeth Hurley's mind, Breakup.
It’s been five months since Hurley and Hugh Grant, her beau of13 years, announced their split. Contrary to reports, the couple aren’t at each other’s throats. Neither are they on the brink of a reconciliation.
“Hugh’s like family to me,” says Hurley, 35. “He just bought a house four doors down from mine. I talk to him every day, and I couldn’t bear to never see him again. Not seeing Hugh would be like not seeing my sister.”
If Hurley and Grant are so close, why couldn’t they make a go of their relationship?
“We just thought that after being together for so long, it was strange that neither of us wanted to go to the next step. For the past couple of years, Hugh and I have been talking about having children, but never once did we talk about getting married.”
Hurley sighs. “There is something inherently irresponsible about our lifestyle. I mean, we never felt like we were together 13 years because we weren’t. We were always away doing movies. We never had 13 years of that day-to-day life. Now, it seems as if time just slipped through our fingers.”
In the past decade, Hurley has gone from being a B-movie actress to the face of Estee Lauder cosmetics to the over-the-title star of “Bedazzled,’ an $80 million movie.
The Faustian comedy, directed by Harold Ramis, casts Hurley as the Devil. Her mission is to seduce a poor, hapless wage slave named Elliot (Brendan Fraser) into coming over to the dark side.
Hurley won the role of the ultimate temptress over a number of other high-profile contenders, including Madonna. “I was told by Madonna’s agent that Madonna is the Devil, which is why she’d be perfect for the role,” recalls director Harold Ramis. “But I was thinking of who was the baddest, most beautiful woman in Hollywood. And I came up with Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth is witty, worldly, and wise. She’s very comfortable in her own skin.”
Hurley, best known for playing Mrs. Kensington in the “Austin Powers” movies, says that making “Bedazzled” was a terrific experience. “It’s very rare that you get a part where you’re given free reign.”
She realizes she can be intimidating sometimes. “It’s tough because, for some reason, boys are scared of me,” she says. “They have to be falling-over drunk to come near me. I am rarely chatted up. After this movie, I won't be able to get another date for the rest of my life.”
Hurley insists she doesn’t understand her allure. A late bloomer, she spent much of her childhood in her older sister’s shadow.
“I was under 5 foot when I was 15,” says the London native. “I had no boyfriends. I was the last girl to develop, to wear a bra, to kiss a boy. My sister was a towering beauty at age 10, while I was sort of this midget child.”
Back in London, Hurley says she’s at her most vulnerable. “My house feels sad because Grant moved all of his stuff out. But I don’t feel like I’m single yet. Because of our lifestyle, Hugh and I were apart a lot anyway, so this feels like one of those times.”
Hurley believes there’s at least one advantage to having the house to herself. “The best part is that I have no guilt about going to bed at 7,” she says. “When I was with Hugh, he’d always insist on eating a proper meal. But if you're by yourself, you can just go back home and munch on pretzels and drink wine.
“And I can eat in bed. Hugh hated sleeping in crumbs, and he hated seeing the dog on the bed. Now I can sleep with all the crumbs and dog hair I want.”

Your Horoscope for the Month

Scorpio
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You attract the wrong individuals. Don’t lend money to those who are buttering you up.
Your numbers: 9, 13, 40

Sagittarius
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Your need for change will lead you on short trips. Enjoy the company of friends.
Your numbers: 3, 29, 31

Capricorn
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Straigthen up as quickly as possible. Love will develop if you attend group functions.
Your numbers: 1, 22, 26

Aquarius
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Don’t push your partner to the limit. Insecurities will destroy connection you once had.
Your numbers: 5, 20, 33

Pisces
Feb. 19 - March 20
You will be compulsive about attaining your goals. Stay ahead of the competition.
Your numbers: 2, 17, 40

Aries
March 21- April 19
You can expect to attract new friends and lovers, but be discriminating.
Your numbers: 8, 9, 27

Taurus
April 20 - May 20
Someone you work with is not giving you the whole picture. Do some research yourself.
Your numbers: 13, 28, 39

Gemini
May 21- June 20
Don’t let your emotions get the
better of you. Don’t take things the wrong way.
Your numbers: 4, 12. 45

Cancer
June 21- July 22
You are a leader, not a follower, this year. Stand up and let yourself be heard.
Your numbers: 8, 9, 32

Leo
July 23 - Aug. 22
Make your surroundings better for everybody. Plan to spend time with loved ones.
Your numbers: 19, 24, 44

Virgo
Aug, 23 - Sept. 22
Clear your personal debts. Legal matters will not be in your favor this month.
Your numbers: 12, 38, 49

Libra
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Sudden changes at work make you uncomfortable. Start looking for a new job.
Your numbers: 11, 22, 23

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