Longtime Rep. John Lewis turns 80: a look back (32 images)

Civil rights icon John Lewis, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987, celebrates his 80th birthday on Friday. The Georgia Democrat has played a key role in the civil rights movement since the 1960s.

Rep. John Lewis prepares to pay his respects at Rep. Elijah Cummings' memorial ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on October 24, 2019. Pool Photo by Melina Mara/UPI

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Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus wait to enter the memorial services. Lewis announced in December 2019 that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pool Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais/UPI

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Lewis arrives on the red carpet for the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 24, 2019. He presented the award for Best Picture to "Green Book." Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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Lewis (L) and civil rights activist Andrew Young head onto the field before the start of Super Bowl LIII between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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