"I had spent many years before I was 31 hearing people tell me, Oh Man, you're so funny, you need to be in television. But that and a quarter won't get you on a bus"

This quote by Chi McBride is a reflection on his journey to success. He is saying that although many individuals told him he was amusing and should be in television, it was insufficient to get him to where he wished to be. He had to put in the effort and commitment to make it happen. The phrase "that and a quarter will not get you on a bus" is a metaphor for how words alone are inadequate to get you to where you wish to be. It takes more than just words and motivation to make it in life. You need to put in the effort and do something about it to make your dreams a truth.