For most of the '80s, comedian, actor and educator Bill Cosby was undeniably NBC's biggest star. On Oct. 28, 1992, his "intention" to become the peacock network's owner was disclosed.

Despite this ambitious goal, NBC, estimated to be worth about $4 billion, was not up for sale. If successful, Cosby, who was estimated to be worth about $300 million, would likely have formed a partnership with other individuals.

"Bill has very warm feelings about NBC," his agent Norman Brokaw told The New York Times. "He got his break there almost 30 years ago in I Spy. Then he had the most financially successful show of all time there in the 1980s."

Indeed, The Cosby Show, which ran on the network from 1984-1992, made him one of the richest men in Hollywood. In the end, however, the prospect of a deal fell through when he was unable to muster up enough enthusiasm among potential partners.

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(photo: dpa /Landov)