Check out characters embraced by rising matinee idol (3)

I believe the answer is:

die

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'check out' is the definition.
('check out' can informally mean to die)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for die that I've seen before include "Expire" , "Pass away" , "Stop living" , "One spotted" , "Mould; become extinct" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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