Benedict Cumberbatch nearly turned down the role of Sherlock, the English actor admitted during an interview with CNN's "Talk Asia."

During the conversation, he explained that he was "very wary" about accepting the role of Sherlock after years of taking on challenging and terrific roles. He apparently felt that a mainstream role like Sherlock Holmes would edge him toward a well-lit life in the spotlight and away from his flourishing, respectful career that's been lined with time-honored successes.

Although extremely cautious, the moment he picked up the script and absorbed the quality of the writing, he thought, "I've got to do this." Nonetheless, Cumberbatch stated that he hoped that he hasn't left being a respected actor behind by playing Sherlock. His past features were great jobs, but they weren't in the limelight.

"They weren't in the public eye quite to the extent that I knew that character, no matter what we did with it, was going to garner that kind of attention," said Cumberbatch, who recently revealed the name of his "Cumberbaby," christened Christopher Carlton Cumberbatch.

The 39-year-old hopes that he'll still be respected in the acting industry after his long occupancy on the hit BBC series, fearful what people will think about him.

"Hopefully I haven't left being a respected actor behind by playing Sherlock," he added. "I was just going from great jobs but they weren't in the limelight. They weren't in the public eye. But no matter what we did with [Sherlock] it was going to garner that kind of attention."

For five years, Cumberbatch has had the title role on the series, "Sherlock." While he still worries about public perception, he admitted that fame does have its perks. After more than a decade as an actor, he's only become more recognized after his time on "Sherlock."

"I still giggle when people sort of fall about if they meet me in the streets or something," he added. "I genuinely still find it quite amusing. So long that may continue because it keeps you a bit grounded."

CNN's "Talk Asia" aired on CNN International on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4:30 a.m. ET. International.

Related