Swank, Lowe latest star couple to split

Two-time Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and actor husband Chad Lowe have separated after more than eight years of marriage. ''Hilary and Chad have decided to separate, but they are hopeful they'll be able to get through this tough time," Swank's manager Troy Nankin said in a statement yesterday. There was no elaboration on the reason for the split. Swank, 31, and Lowe, who turns 38 on Jan. 15, have no children.

'Da Vinci Code' to get paperback release

At last, ''The Da Vinci Code" is coming out in paperback. Dan Brown's historical thriller was published nearly three years ago and has so sold well, for so long, that publisher Doubleday didn't bother releasing a paperback. But in anticipation of the film version, scheduled for May 19 and starring Tom Hanks, 5 million paperback copies will be published March 28. The date will also mark the paperback debut of the novel's million-selling illustrated edition. Upon the film's release, Doubleday will publish '' 'The Da Vinci Code' Illustrated Screenplay," featuring introductions by Brown and director Ron Howard. ''The Da Vinci Code" has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. It was No. 2 last weekend on The New York Times's hardcover fiction list.

Schwarzenegger in motorcycle mishap

Recalling his days as one Hollywood's most popular action heroes, Arnold Schwarzenegger said a weekend accident won't stop him from riding motorcycles. As an actor, he said, he had to sign contracts covering possible injuries from stunts. ''I did all those things anyway," the California governor said yesterday. ''I never played by the rules." He received 15 stitches in his lip after he and his 12-year-old son, Patrick, were involved in the accident Sunday near their Los Angeles home. The governor was riding a Harley Davidson with his son in a sidecar when another driver backed into the street. Schwarzenegger collided with the car at low speed. He and Patrick were treated for cuts and bruises. Both were wearing helmets. The other driver was uninjured. No citations were issued.

Publicity grab

'This is not gonna look too good in a photograph, Mr. President.' Pierce Brosnan, warning former President Bill Clinton after he grabbed the actor's hips during an impromptu golf lesson in Hawaii

FROM WIRE REPORTS