The 1998 movie Steve Buscemi only made for the money: “I wanted a bigger house”

Steve Buscemi has said he took a role in the 1998 blockbuster *Armageddon* for the money, explaining, “I wanted a bigger house.” His candour highlights the financial trade-offs actors can make, even when they are established character performers.

Buscemi played Rockhound, a driller recruited for a mission to destroy an asteroid threatening Earth. The Michael Bay film drew mixed reviews but earned more than $500 million worldwide, and its Aerosmith-led soundtrack went double platinum. The role followed his success in *Fargo* and *Con Air*, and came during a commercially strong period that also included *The Big Lebowski* and *The Wedding Singer*.