Briggs Family Genealogy & History

Shannon Briggs, an American former professional boxer known as "the Cannon," is celebrated for his powerful knockout capability and aggressive style in the ring. Competing from 1992 to 2016, Briggs held the lineal heavyweight title from 1997 to 1998 and the WBO heavyweight title from 2006 to 2007. With an impressive 88.3% knockout-to-win rate, he achieved 37 first-round knockouts. A notable victory came when he controversially defeated George Foreman in 1997 via majority decision to claim the lineal heavyweight crown.

Born on December 4, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York, Shannon Briggs faced significant hardships early in life, including periods of homelessness. His mother passed away from a heroin overdose on his 25th birthday in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Raymond Redvers Briggs was a renowned English illustrator, cartoonist, and author known for his significant contributions to children's literature, including the iconic 1978 wordless book "The Snowman." His work earned him critical acclaim, winning the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and being a runner-up for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. Briggs's unique style and storytelling, as seen in works like "Father Christmas" and "Fungus the Bogeyman," have left a lasting impact on the world of children's books and graphic novels, captivating both adult and young audiences worldwide.

Raymond Briggs was born in Wimbledon, Surrey, to Ernest Redvers Briggs, a milkman, and Ethel Bowyer, a former lady's maid. They married in 1930, and Briggs's upbringing during WWII, including being evacuated to Dorset, shaped his early life experiences. His father discouraged his artistic pursuits, yet Briggs persisted, studying at the Wimbledon School of Art and the Central School of Art, leading to a successful career in illustration.

Matthew Anthony Briggs, born on March 6, 1991, is a former professional footballer known for his role as a left-back. His career highlights include becoming the youngest player to feature in the Premier League at just 16 years and 68 days old while playing for Fulham. Briggs made 13 league appearances during his eight years with Fulham and had loan spells with clubs like Leyton Orient, Peterborough United, Bristol City, and Watford. He later played for Millwall, Colchester United, and Chesterfield. Eligible for both England and Guyana, Briggs represented England at various youth levels and played for the Guyana national football team.

Joe Bob Briggs, the stage persona of John Irving Bloom, is a renowned American film critic and horror host celebrated for his work on "Joe Bob's Drive-in Theater" and "MonsterVision." Known for his humorous reviews of B-movies and cult films, he has earned accolades like the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards' Monster Kid of the Year in 2019 and induction into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame in 2023. Briggs' unique style combines comedy and insightful film critique, making him a beloved figure in the horror community and a sought-after host for shows like "The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs" on Shudder.

John Irving Bloom was born on January 27, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Thelma Louise (née Berry) and Rudolph Lewis Bloom. Raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Bloom displayed an early talent for writing, becoming a sportswriter by age 13. His family background and upbringing in the South played a foundational role in shaping his persona and career, contributing to his distinctive Southern charm and wit.