Maxine Hughes, originally from Conwy, is well known as the official Welsh translator for the two Hollywood actors who bought Wrexham Football Club four years ago
The highly respected journalist would often tease the pair as they struggled to grasp certain Welsh phrases.
But this year has been a challenging one for Maxine, who recently revealed that she has just completed an intensive course of chemotherapy and is facing further surgery immediately after the Eisteddfod.
She said the diagnosis came shortly after the death of her father at the end of last year.
Speaking on the Maes, she said she was extremely proud to receive the invitation to be President of Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod.
“I was in hospital when the email came saying I was being honoured by the Gorsedd. I nearly fainted, I was so happy.
It’s such a huge honour to be recognised by the Gorsedd, and to be President of Wales and the World this year – even more meaningful because the Eisteddfod is in Wrecsam.
I’m so proud that my father’s family is from Wrexham, and he would have been even prouder that this is happening here, in his hometown,” she said
Maxine added that she will return to the United States immediately after the Eisteddfod and undergo surgery early next week.
“The surgery was supposed to happen this week, but I managed to explain to the surgeon that I needed to be here, and he agreed to postpone it for a week,” she said.
She said she looks forward to the Eisteddfod every year.
“I aim to come back to Wales in August with the boys to see family members and attend the Eisteddfod wherever it’s held.
"As well as being Leader of Wales and the World, I’ll be hosting other sessions with the Welsh Government and students,” she said.
As a child, Maxine competed regularly and successfully in the National Eisteddfod.
“The Urdd Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod were a big part of my childhood. I used to recite solo as a pupil at Ysgol Bodnant, and at Ysgol Bryn Elian there was a lot of singing.
"I danced and competed in gymnastics too – I liked taking part and enjoyed it,” she said.
Her work has covered some of the world’s biggest news stories – from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the war in Syria, and of course, the U.S. elections.
She had the opportunity to meet and interview Donald Trump for the first episode of the three-part S4C documentary series Byd Eithafol. She negotiated for over a year to gain access to Trump, eventually securing 30 minutes of his time at his home in Florida for a face-to-face interview, where he spoke about his plans to run for re-election.
There are rumours circulating on the Maes that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may appear at the Eisteddfod before the end of the week, but Maxine explained that this is unlikely.
“They’re busy preparing for the new season in a new league, and their focus is entirely on the club.
What they’ve done with the club has been fantastic, and I really appreciate what they’ve done for the city,” she said.
Maxine gave an address as President of Wales and the World during the Gymanfa Ganu in the Pavilion on Sunday night
