The actor, best known for portraying Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealed that he initially turned down the role of Steve Rogers over crippling anxiety.

During an appearance of The Hollywood Reporter's podcast "Awards Chatter," Evans said he first started experiencing anxiety in 2007 following a number of stressors: The upcoming premiere of his superhero film "Fantastic Four: Rise of Silver Surfer," losing out on several roles (in 2007's "Fracture" and 2008's "Milk") and a breakup.

"It manifested in anxiety and a little stress," he recalled. "I've gotten a lot better at it now. But at the time, it's hard to separate. It's hard to know if the path you are taking is the wrong one because the way I'm feeling isn't healthy."

Evans' symptoms escalated in 2010 while filming "Puncture."

"It was the first time I started having mini panic attacks on set," Evans recalled. "I really started to think, 'I'm not sure if this (acting) is the right thing for me, I'm not sure if I'm feeling as healthy as I should be feeling.'"

That's when the opportunity of a lifetime came along. Marvel invited Evans to screen test for the role of Steve Rogers for 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger," the first of his many films in the Cinematic Universe.

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@ChrisEvans almost didn't suit up as Marvel's all-American superhero. The actor reflects on nearly turning down the Captain America role and quitting acting, at the link in bio. (📸: @gettyentertainment)

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After taking time to speak with therapists, family and future co-star Robert Downey Jr., Evans said he agreed to play Captain America because he realized he was previously "making decisions based on fear."

"It was the best decision I've ever made, and I really owe that to (Marvel CEO) Kevin Feige for being persistent and helping me avoid making a giant mistake," Evans said.