Chris Evans Opens Up on Dealing With Anxiety.

Summary

In this insightful interview, actor Chris Evans discusses his career, including his initial reluctance to take on the role of Captain America due to the long-term commitment it entailed. He reflects on the anxiety of auditioning and the pressure of maintaining a career in acting. Evans also shares his love for his hometown of Boston and the tight-knit family that includes siblings who are also actors. He emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment, a concept he finds elusive in everyday life but attainable through acting, which he likens to a drug for its ability to provide a temporary escape into a controlled reality.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Chris Evans is an actor known for his role as Captain America.
• 🗣️ He emphasizes the importance of quieting the 'brain noise' to reduce suffering.
• 🎬 Initially, Evans was hesitant to take the Captain America role due to the long-term commitment it entailed.
• 🤔 He sought advice from everyone in his life and even went to therapy to help make the decision.
• 🏡 He comes from a close-knit family of actors and considers Boston his home.
• 🎨 Before acting, Chris was interested in art and thought he would go to art school.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 He has three siblings and they all pursued acting.
• 😅 Chris admits to having anxiety, especially before auditions, and how it has changed over time.
• 🎭 He finds acting addictive because it allows him to be present in the moment, which he struggles to find in everyday life.
• 🌟 Evans believes that the moments when he's able to quiet his mind are when he feels his best.
• 🧘‍♂️ His goal in life is to achieve a constant state of presence, similar to what he experiences while acting.

Q & A

What advice would Chris Evans give to his 12-year-old self?

Chris Evans would advise his younger self to 'sh', meaning to quiet the noisy thoughts in one's brain that often lead to unnecessary suffering.

Why did Chris Evans initially turn down the role of Captain America?

He was concerned about the long-term commitment of six movies, which could span over 10 years, potentially affecting his personal life, anonymity, and privacy.

How did Chris Evans change his mind about playing Captain America?

After seeking advice from everyone in his life, going to therapy, and reflecting on his fears, he decided that the thing he was most scared of might be what he should do.

What is the significance of the word 'sh' for Chris Evans?

For Chris Evans, 'sh' represents the act of quieting the noisy thoughts in his brain, which he believes can lead to a better state of being.

Where is Chris Evans from and does he still consider it home?

Chris Evans is from Boston and still considers it home, despite living in Los Angeles.

How many siblings does Chris Evans have and what is their relationship like?

Chris Evans has three siblings - one older sister and two younger siblings. They are very close and have a tight-knit family.

What was Chris Evans' initial career path before acting?

Before acting, Chris Evans was interested in art and thought he would go to art school.

When did Chris Evans start acting and why?

Chris Evans started acting around the age of 13 or 14, inspired by his older sister who was enjoying theater.

What role did Chris Evans play in 'The Virtuous Burglar'?

Chris Evans does not remember the specific role he played in 'The Virtuous Burglar'.

How does Chris Evans feel about auditions now compared to when he was younger?

Now, Chris Evans feels terrified before auditions, unlike when he was younger and eager to get into the room.

What is Chris Evans' perspective on being present in the moment?

Chris Evans sees being present in the moment as a goal and something he strives for, finding it particularly challenging outside of acting where there is no script.