"When I was in New York, I was making a living. We had a summer house and a car that I could put in a garage. That's something for a stage actor"

William H. Macy is revealing his gratitude for the success he had while residing in New York. He had the ability to make a living as a phase actor, and had the ability to pay for a summer house and a car. This is a substantial achievement for a phase star, as it is not always simple to earn a living in the theater industry. He is expressing his gratitude for the success he had in New York, and is most likely reviewing how far he has come since then. His quote is a suggestion to never take success for approved, and to always be appreciative for the chances that come our way.